Iran’s President Blames ‘Rioters’ As Protest Toll Reaches 192; Israel Supports ‘Freedom Struggle’

Iran protest intensifed against the government, with the death toll rising to at least 192 people, with many more injured and over 2,300 arrested, according to Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based NGO. The protests, now in their second week, were sparked by economic strain and have escalated into broader anti-government demonstrations. A days-long internet blackout has made it challenging to verify the exact toll.

According to Reuters, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the U.S. ⁠and Israel of“sowing chaos ⁠and disorder” in ‌Iran ‌by ordering “riots”, ‍and called ‍upon Iranians to distance themselves ⁠from “rioters and terrorists'. He addressed economic plans and “people’s demands” in an interview on Sunday (January 11, 2026), as anger over the rising cost of living intensifies, state TV said. So far, Iran has made significant arrests of key figures as protest has swept the Islamic Republic, the national police chief said.

Amid this, Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, jas issued a stark warning to the US, stating that Tehran would view Washington's military and commercial bases as "legitimate targets" for retaliation if the Trump administration intervenes militarily amid continuing unrest in the country.