• Largest protests in Iran since 2022-2023, continuing over economic discontent.
• Death toll from crackdown rises to at least 45, including minors, amid extensive arrests.
• US expresses concern over government's violent response; internet access cut nationwide.

Iranian protesters intensified their demonstrations on January 8, challenging the clerical leadership with the largest protests yet amidst nearly two weeks of unrest. This movement originated with a shutdown of the Tehran bazaar on December 28 after the rial currency plunged to record lows. As protests spread across the country, authorities enacted internet blackouts, exacerbating frustrations among demonstrators, according to Le Monde and Channel News Asia.

The protests have posed significant challenges to the Iranian government under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, already grappling with severe economic difficulties and a recent war with Israel. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would take strong action against Iran if authorities "start killing people", amidst reports of widespread violence against demonstrators. Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that at least 45 protesters have been killed since the unrest began, although Iranian media claims, including official statements, suggest varying death tolls, according to Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and AA.

The protests are characterized by slogans opposing the clerical regime and symbolically significant actions, such as the removal of a statue of Qassem Soleimani. Reports indicate that protests have occurred in 348 locations across all of Iran's 31 provinces. Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, son of the exiled monarch, has called for greater mobilization against the regime. The Iranian government's crackdown has consistently been met with international condemnation, including calls for restraint from the German Foreign Minister, who decried the excessive use of force against protesters, according to Channel News Asia and AA.

As the protests continue to unfold, there are significant international concerns regarding Iran's repressive measures against demonstrators. US officials are reportedly assessing the situation closely, considering the implications of the unrest on the stability of the Iranian government. The Trump administration has indicated it will intervene if it perceives that Iranian authorities resort to extreme measures against peaceful protesters, emphasizing the serious nature of the ongoing demonstrations, according to Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and AA.