Massive wave of protests in Iran: Over 2,500 dead and no end in sight!

Massive wave of protests in Iran: Over 2,500 dead and no end in sight!

Iran is in a firestorm of protests that has been raging since December 31, 2025. The population has lost patience and is vigorously demanding changes in the authoritarian regime of the Islamic Republic. Tens of thousands of people have been taking to the streets for weeks to fight for their rights and freedoms. AZOnline reports, that this winter's protests represent the deepest crisis for the leadership in Tehran, which has been in power for 47 years.

Driven by a crushing economic crisis and widespread discontent, the protest has developed into a national movement. A recurring chant of “Death to the dictator” is aimed directly at Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the central figure of the regime. A worrying report from activists in the US estimates that more than 2,500 people have already died, while other sources say up to 12,000 have died. There could still be an unreported number, as the Iranian authorities have not yet published any official number of victims explains the Tagesschau.

The voices of the protesters

The reports from eyewitnesses involved in the situation are shocking. Mehdi G., a member of the protesting youth, describes that his generation lost their lives en masse and sees himself in the role of a powerless witness. “I feel powerless,” he says and calls for faster support from the international community, especially from Germany! AZOnline informed about the worsening situation on site.

Bahram L., an Afghan born in Iran, is concerned for his family and makes it clear that Afghans are particularly at risk in this crisis. “The situation is scary and I hope the protesters don’t give up,” he said. Concerns about people's safety are omnipresent as security forces respond with brutal force and fire on the crowd. Witnesses speak of close-range shootings and arrests, especially among the young people who bravely take to the streets.

The path to change

The political situation leaves room for speculation about a possible coup. Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed the expectation of a rapid change, while some political scientists see the framework conditions for a regime change as given. Khamenei's death could give fresh impetus to the protest movement, but many critical voices warn of the deep cracks in society that the protests are making visible. Reform politicians, like former President Hassan Rouhani, are calling for a fundamental change in course. But the government declares the protests to have failed, which many in the country doubt the star states.

The fear and resentment among the people continue to fuel the protests. Women who take off their headscarves symbolically show their resistance to the strict regulations. Nevertheless, the guarantees for the success of the protest movement are uncertain. Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah, has positioned himself as a leading figure in the opposition, but the exiled opposition remains fragmented and contentious.

Amid this unrest, the world is wondering whether intervention by the United States might be the key to change. Such a move could have a crucial impact as the people of Iran continue to fight for their voice and their freedom.