09.01.2026 14:32
As the death toll in the protests that have been ongoing in Iran for 12 days rises to 42, the Tehran government has cut off internet and phone lines in the country. Speaking about the protests in the country, U.S. President Donald Trump stated, "Khamenei is currently looking for a place to go. The Iranian regime may be on the brink of collapse." Recently, the British press reported that Khamenei had delivered the country's gold to cargo planes and was planning to flee to Russia.
The Iran Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that the number of people who lost their lives in the protests that started due to economic issues has risen to 42.
NUMBER OF ARRESTS RISES TO 2,277
A report published on the website of HRANA, based in the USA, provided information about the protests that have been ongoing for 12 days in the country. According to this report, during this period, protests occurred in all 31 provinces of the country, resulting in the deaths of a total of 34 protesters, including 5 minors, and 8 security personnel. A total of 2,277 people have been detained nationwide.
THE TOLL IS HEAVY
It was stated that the injuries mostly resulted from being hit by rubber and plastic bullets. No official statement has been made by Iranian authorities regarding those who died or were injured in the protests. HRANA had reported yesterday that the death toll had risen to 38 and the number of detainees to 2,217 in its report on the 11th day.
COMMUNICATION HAS BEEN COMPLETELY CUT OFF
As part of the government's security measures, internet and telephone lines have been shut down across the country, making it difficult to obtain clear information about the details of the protests and interventions.
TRUMP: KHAMENEI IS LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO GO
As protests in Iran continue with full force today, U.S. President Donald Trump made striking statements regarding Iranian religious leader Khamenei. Trump said, "Khamenei is looking for a place to go. The Iranian regime may be on the verge of collapse."
BRITISH PRESS: KHAMENEI WILL FLEE TO ASSAD
Recently, the British press also claimed that Khamenei has begun preparations to flee to Russia. It was noted that Khamenei's son and designated heir Mojtaba is also part of this plan. Former Israeli intelligence officer Beni Sabti predicted that Khamenei could flee to Moscow. The report suggested that the plan was inspired by Syrian leader Bashar Assad's escape to Moscow before the opposition captured the capital in December 2024.
KHAMENEI: TRUMP SHOULD LOOK AT HIS OWN COUNTRY'S PROBLEMS
On the other hand, speaking about the protests in Iran today, Iranian religious leader Khamenei stated, "There are rebels who want to please U.S. President Trump by damaging public property. Trump should look at the problems in his own country; there is no tolerance for rebels. Iran will not back down from its principles."
PROTESTS IN IRAN
Protests that began on December 28, 2025, in Tehran's Grand Bazaar, initiated by shopkeepers due to the high depreciation of the local currency against foreign exchange rates and economic issues, spread to many cities across the country. The Tasnim News Agency reported that the number of injured police officers in the protests has risen to 568 and the number of militia forces (Basij) to 66.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in his statements regarding the protests in Iran, said that if the protesters are killed, the U.S. will rush to help and deliver a severe blow to the Tehran administration. In a statement made by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on January 5, it was announced that there would be no tolerance for the protesters.