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Live report: Day 12 of Iran Uprising; Protesters fight back, set fire to regime buildings in cities across country

By Mahmoud Hakamian
Mashhad
Mass anti-regime protests in Vakilabad Blvd, Mashhad (January 8, 2026)

Live report | Thursday, January 8, 2026

The nationwide uprising against the religious dictatorship in Iran has entered its twelfth day on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Sparked on December 28, 2025, by the collapse of the rial and soaring inflation, the movement has rapidly evolved from economic grievances into a full-scale revolution seeking the overthrow of the regime.

Following a historic eleventh day, the uprising has shown no signs of abating. On Thursday, the scope of dissent broadened significantly with general strikes gripping major commercial centers across the country, while the regime’s brutality reached new heights in western Iran.

Day 12 Roundup: Internet blackout, burning of State Broadcaster HQ, and 8 martyrs in Lordegan

On Thursday, January 8, 2026, the uprising faced a violent turning point. As night fell, the regime resorted to a nationwide internet blackout to hide its crimes, while protesters escalated their resistance by targeting symbols of oppression.

Key highlights from today include:

  • Internet Blackout: NetBlocks confirmed a nationwide internet blackout and specific disruptions in Kermanshah, hindering communication as casualties rise.
  • Regime Centers Torched: In a significant escalation, protesters set fire to the headquarters of the state broadcaster in Isfahan and the governorate building in Gorgan.
  • Active Resistance in Tehran: Rebellious youth in the capital set fire to Basij bases in Mehrabad and IRGC vehicles at Sattarkhan Bridge and Naziabad.
  • Massacre in Lordegan: Mrs. Maryam Rajavi honored the eight protesters killed in Lordegan who stood to block regime reinforcements.
  • Foreign Mercenaries: Reports indicate the regime has deployed Arabic-speaking members of Iraq’s Hashd al-Shaabi to aid the IRGC in Kermanshah.
  • Nationwide Strikes: Markets in dozens of cities, from Kurdistan to Hormozgan, observed a full strike on Day 12.

Update—22:00 CET

Nationwide Internet Blackout as Regime Loses Control; State Broadcaster HQ Torched in Isfahan

As the uprising intensifies on its twelfth night, the regime has resorted to a total digital blockade. NetBlocks reports confirmed that Iran is now in the midst of a nationwide internet blackout, with specific loss of connectivity on the TCI backbone in the restive city of Kermanshah. This measure comes amid rising casualties and indicates the regime’s panic over the spreading protests.

Despite the blackout and lethal crackdowns, the fearless youth of Iran have escalated their defensive measures. In Isfahan, protesters set fire to the headquarters of the state broadcaster, a primary apparatus of the regime’s propaganda machine. Additionally, a Basij base in the city was set ablaze after it dispatched forces to quell demonstrations.

Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the NCRI, hailed the martyrs of the uprising, stating: “The deepest respect of the risen people of Iran goes to the eight vanguard protesters who were killed last night… Their sacrifice will only strengthen the nation’s resolve for change.”

Tehran: Capital in flames as youth target Basij bases and vehicles

Nightly protests have engulfed the capital, spreading to neighborhoods across the city including Sadeghiyeh, Haft Howz, Pirouzi, and Ferdows Boulevard. At Haft Howz, protesters chanted, “Don’t be afraid, we are all together!”

The youth of Tehran have moved beyond chanting to active confrontation with the regime’s suppression apparatus:

  • Mehrabad: Protesters set fire to a Basij base after security forces attempted to attack their demonstration.
  • Sattarkhan Bridge: Demonstrators set fire to vehicles belonging to the IRGC Basij forces.
  • Naziabad: Repressive forces fled the scene after failing to quell the crowd; protesters subsequently set fire to the agents’ motorcycles.
  • Kashani Blvd & Sadeghiyeh: Huge crowds gathered, chanting “Down with Khamenei” despite heavy security measures.

Kermanshah: Live fire in Dareh Deraz; Protests persist despite casualties

Kermanshah remains a war zone tonight. Reports from the Dareh Deraz district confirm that the regime’s security forces are continuing to shoot live rounds at protesters. Several demonstrators have been critically wounded, yet the people are refusing to retreat, continuing their rallies and resisting the crackdown.

Massive rallies continued in the Shahrdari district and other parts of the city. Despite the brutality, a huge protest column marched through the streets, chanting “Down with the dictator.”

Mashhad: “We won’t have a country as long as the mullahs are in power”

In northeast Iran, the holy city of Mashhad has seen massive nightly turnouts. A huge crowd gathered in Vakil Abad district, chanting, “Freedom, freedom, freedom!” and “We won’t have a country as long as the mullahs are in power!”

In the Nodeh district, protesters set fire to a police kiosk used by security forces after agents tried to suppress the demonstration. In Haft-e Tir Boulevard, the chants of “This is the year of blood, Seyyed Ali [Khamenei] will be overthrown” echoed through the night.

Northwest Iran: Lethal force in Ardabil and Sanandaj; “No to Shah, No to Mullahs” in Urmia

The northwest provinces are witnessing fierce battles.

  • Ardabil: Protests turned into clashes as regime forces used lethal force. At Shariati Square, people resisted tear gas attacks and continued their rally, chanting “Freedom, justice, popular government!”
  • Sanandaj: Security forces are directly shooting live rounds at protesters, who are taking cover while continuing to chant anti-regime slogans.
  • Urmia: In a significant political statement, protesters chanted, “Azarbaijan is honorable, Pahlavi does not have honor,” rejecting both the current religious dictatorship and any return to the monarchical dictatorship.
  • Bijar & Qorveh: In Bijar, protesters set fire to a regime building tasked with suppression. In Qorveh, demonstrators burned regime monuments and symbols.

Northern Iran: Governorate torched in Gorgan; Rasht turns the tide

In the northern provinces, the fear has shifted to the regime’s camp.

  • Gorgan: Protesters set fire to the regime’s governorate building.
  • Rasht: Local reports state that the tide is turning against the regime; protesters attacked regime buildings after security forces failed to quell the demonstration.
  • Karaj (Gohardasht & Mehrshahr): Security forces opened fire on protesters in Gohardasht. Meanwhile, in Mehrshahr, rallies continued with chants of “This is the year Khamenei will be overthrown!”

Southern and Western Fronts: Defiance in Shiraz, Ahvaz, and Eslamabad-e Gharb

Protests remain intense in the south and west of the country.

  • Shiraz: In Ma’ali Abad, protesters forced repressive forces to flee and set fire to their abandoned motorcycles.
  • Eslamabad-e Gharb: Protesters set fire to a regime building in response to repressive measures and chanted “Down with Khamenei!”
  • Ahvaz & Andimeshk: Clashes with security forces were reported in Ahvaz, while huge crowds gathered in Andimeshk in defiance of the brutal security presence.
  • Kangan: Security forces are shooting directly at unarmed protesters, who are fighting back with rocks.

Update—18:30 CET

Kermanshah: Regime deploys Hashd al-Shaabi mercenaries; Forces flee in Dolatabad

As night fell on the twelfth day of the uprising, Kermanshah (western Iran) became a primary flashpoint of conflict. Protests have erupted across multiple districts, including Dareh Deraz, Maskan, and Dolatabad.

In the Dareh Deraz district, heavy clashes are underway between protesters and security forces. The regime’s agents are reportedly using live ammunition to quell the demonstrations, yet the people continue to resist, chanting “Down with Khamenei!” and setting up roadblocks.

In a sign of the regime’s crumbling morale and lack of manpower, local reports confirm that members of Iraq’s Hashd al-Shaabi (PMF), speaking Arabic, have been spotted participating in the suppression alongside the IRGC. This reliance on foreign proxies indicates the regime’s growing desperation in confronting the nationwide uprising.

Despite this brutality, the people are pushing back. In the Dolatabad district, the sheer size of the anti-regime demonstration forced the regime’s security forces to flee the scene. In the Maskan district, nightly rallies continue despite a heavy security presence.

Lumar and Gilan-e Gharb: Regime buildings torched and roadblocks set

In Lumar (Ilam province), the confrontation has escalated significantly. During protests today, demonstrators fiercely resisted the regime’s security forces and set fire to regime buildings, signaling a radicalization of the protests in response to the crackdown.

Similarly, in Gilan-e Gharb (western Iran), nightly protests have resumed with intensity. The youth have set up roadblocks to hamper the movement of repressive forces and are chanting “Down with Khamenei!” while engaging in resistance against armed agents.

Qazvin and Kerman: Clashes and barricades

In Qazvin (northwest Iran), the unrest continues as people held anti-regime rallies at Palestine Street. Security forces were dispatched to the area to suppress the demonstration, leading to clashes between the people and the agents.

In Kerman (southeast Iran), a large crowd gathered for an anti-regime protest rally. Demonstrators have set up roadblocks to protect their gathering and resist the regime’s forces.

Protests spread to Isfahan and Hamedan

The geographical scope of the uprising continues to widen. In Pirbakran (Isfahan province), people have poured into the streets to initiate anti-regime protests. Meanwhile, in Hamedan (western Iran), following the morning strikes, large crowds took to the streets to hold protest rallies, defying the atmosphere of repression.

Update—11:00 CET

Lordegan: Regime commits massacre; Protesters block roads in self-defense

In the city of Lordegan (western Iran), the uprising has turned into a bloody confrontation. According to local reports from the PMOI network inside Iran, security forces launched a widespread crackdown on rallies that had continued from the previous night into the early morning. Protesters fiercely resisted the regime’s repressive machinery.

During these heavy clashes, regime forces opened fire, resulting in the martyrdom of eight protesters. However, the rebellious youth stood their ground in self-defense; reports indicate that a regime colonel and two Basij agents were killed during the street battles. To prevent the regime from dispatching reinforcements to the city, brave protesters have blocked the Ahvaz road.

General strikes paralyze Kurdistan and Western Iran

A massive wave of strikes has swept across western Iran, particularly in the Kurdistan province. Reports from the early hours of Thursday indicate a total shutdown in Sanandaj (Saneh), the provincial capital. Video footage from the city confirms that the markets are empty and shops are shuttered.

The strike has spread to numerous other cities, including:

  • Divandarreh, Marivan, and Baneh: Full strikes reported.
  • Mahabad and Paveh: Shop owners have refused to open their businesses, joining the 12th day of the uprising.
  • Sarpol-e Zahab and Ravansar: Markets are completely closed.

Tabriz, Bandar Abbas, and Ilam join the nationwide boycott

The commercial strike is not limited to the west. In Tabriz (northwest Iran), the historic covered bazaar remains on strike for the second consecutive day, signaling a deepening rift between the traditional merchants and the regime.

In Bandar Abbas (southern Iran), a complete strike has been reported today. Similarly, in the city of Ilam, the shutdown is widespread, with merchants and shopkeepers uniformly joining the nationwide movement. Reports also confirm that shopkeepers in Sabzevar, Neyshabur, and Fardis have joined the strikes.

Rallies in Lumar and Hamedan: “Mullahs must get lost!”

While bazaars remain closed, people have taken to the streets in several cities. In Lumar (Ilam province), a huge crowd gathered this morning to mark the twelfth day of the uprising. The protesters were heard chanting the slogan, “Mullahs must get lost!” rejecting the entirety of the theocratic rule.

In Hamedan, citizens gathered in Ekbatan Street, initiating protest rallies and demonstrating that the suppression in other cities has failed to silence the public’s demand for freedom.

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