Iran's Protests and the Response of the Regime

In January 2026, Iran experienced a significant wave of protests met with violent repression by the regime, resulting in thousands of deaths. The Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been accused of overseeing this crackdown, with reports indicating at least 4,519 fatalities according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Mahmoud Moradkhani, Khamenei's nephew and a vocal opponent of the regime, stated that his uncle would resist "until the last drop of blood," reflecting the regime's determination to maintain control despite widespread dissent.

Ali Khamenei will resist 'to the last drop of blood,' his nephew tells Euronews'Khamenei is scared of Trump,' exiled Iranian activist Masih Alinejad saysAll the reasons Trump should resist regime change in Iran

The protests in Iran have roots in long-standing grievances against the regime, exacerbated by economic distress and political repression. Activists have noted that the current unrest is the most severe since the 1980s, with many demonstrators expressing feelings of betrayal by international leaders, particularly U.S. President Donald Trump, who initially voiced support for the protesters but has since failed to take decisive action.

Mahmoud Moradkhani, now an ENT doctor in France, has been a prominent critic of Khamenei, advocating for a diplomatic transition in Iran. He believes that the regime will ultimately collapse due to internal rivalries following Khamenei's death. Masih Alinejad, an Iranian women's rights activist, has called for Khamenei's targeted killing, likening it to the U.S. assassination of Qassem Soleimani. Alinejad and others argue that the regime's brutal response to protests indicates its fear of further unrest.

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The question of foreign intervention has polarized opinions among Iranian activists. Some, like Shahrzad, a protester, express hope for U.S. intervention, while others caution against it, fearing it could lead to greater instability. Notably, a letter from several prominent Iranian figures, including Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi, called for a "humanitarian intervention," while others, like Elahe Ejbari, argue that foreign involvement could be dangerous and counterproductive.

Khamenei has publicly blamed the United States for the unrest, claiming that the protests have resulted in "several thousand" deaths. In contrast, international observers, including Amnesty International, have condemned the regime's violent tactics. Moradkhani anticipates that European nations will sever ties with the Iranian government and label the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization.

Ali Khamenei will resist 'to the last drop of blood,' his nephew tells Euronews

There are conflicting reports regarding the death toll from the protests. While the Human Rights Activists News Agency cites at least 4,519 deaths, other sources suggest that the actual number could be significantly higher. This discrepancy highlights the challenges in obtaining accurate information from within Iran.

Ali Khamenei will resist 'to the last drop of blood,' his nephew tells Euronews

The ongoing protests and the regime's violent response may lead to further unrest, with activists predicting that the next wave of demonstrations could be even more intense. The potential for internal power struggles following Khamenei's eventual death raises questions about the future of the Iranian regime and its impact on regional stability. As the situation evolves, the international community's response will be crucial in shaping the outcome of Iran's ongoing crisis.

Ali Khamenei will resist 'to the last drop of blood,' his nephew tells Euronews