Iran 2026: Protests Reach Tehran as Lethal Clashes Erupt in Kurdish Regions

The ongoing Iranian uprising entered its second week, spreading to over 40 cities and reaching the capital, Tehran, where sporadic night rallies broke out in districts such as Ekbatan and Tehran Pars. While state media downplays the capital’s unrest as "limited," the situation in western Iran has turned lethal. In Malekshahi, a Kurdish-majority county, violent clashes resulted in the death of a veteran Revolutionary Guard member (IRGC) and at least five protesters, as security forces reportedly used live ammunition to disperse crowds chanting anti-regime slogans.

Rooted in a 40% inflation rate and a collapsing Rial, the protests have rapidly evolved from economic grievances to political defiance. Even the religious hub of Qom witnessed intense unrest, marking a significant shift in the movement's demographics. Amidst these internal pressures, international tensions have spiked following President Donald Trump’s warning to Tehran against "bloodshed," as authorities implemented a 35% internet blackout to curb the flow of information and coordination among protesters.