\u201cWe are also ready for negotiations but these negotiations should be fair, with equal rights and based on mutual respect.\u201d<\/p>\n
Araghchi said Iran is \u201cmore prepared\u201d than during its 12-day war with Israel in June (when over 1,000 people were killed when Israel bombed Iran for nearly two weeks with almost complete impunity).<\/p>\n
Share<\/a><\/p>\n Key events<\/p>\n Show key events only<\/p>\n Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature<\/p>\n Jason Rodrigues is a researcher and writer in the Guardian\u2019s research department<\/p>\n Reza Pahlavi<\/strong>, the US-based son of Iran\u2019s ousted shah, who has encouraged the protests in Iran, said he wants to return to the country and lead a transition<\/a> to a democratic government.<\/p>\n His father, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi<\/a>, was shah of Iran and had been restored to the throne after a coup backed by the US and Britain in 1953<\/a>. He was ousted in another coup in 1979, which saw the return of the exiled Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Ayatollah seized power after the Iranian revolution, abolishing the monarchy and establishing the Islamic Republic of Iran<\/a>. He installed himself as supreme leader, though the west viewed him as a theocratic dictator.<\/p>\n Revolution in Iran had been fermenting since the shah\u2019s ambition to make oil-rich Iran the fifth most powerful country in the world began to unravel in the mid-1970s, leading to cracks in the Peacock throne.<\/a><\/p>\n A mass protest movement in 1977 gathered momentum thanks to Ayatollah Khomeini, who had spent years in exile, but helped to stir unrest through messages distributed on smuggled cassette tapes.<\/p>\n When Khomeini returned to Iran in 1979, he was greeted by huge crowds in Tehran<\/a>. Later, once he had cemented his rule following a bloody coup, he entered the holy city of Qom, declaring Iran should be an Islamic, not a democratic republic. \u201cDo not use this word \u2018democratic\u2019. That is the western style. We respect western civilisation, but we will not follow it.\u201d<\/p>\n The Iranian revolution was covered for the Guardian<\/a> mainly by Martin Woollacott and Liz Thurgood.<\/p>\n The Guardian\u2019s front page on 17 January 1979, with the shah of Iran leaving the country amidst a revolution. Photograph: Gdn\/The GuardianShare<\/a><\/p>\n This is from a report by my colleagues William Christou<\/a> <\/strong>and Deepa Parent<\/a>:<\/p>\n Iranian authorities have sought to clamp down on protests by a very public show of force inside Iran<\/a>, handing out harsh sentences to those they deem to be involved in demonstrations.<\/p>\n At least 96<\/strong> cases of forced confessions had been broadcast by state media, evidence that was often used later to carry out death sentences, rights groups warned.<\/p>\n One protester, 26-year-old Irfan Soltani<\/strong>, had been sentenced to death, with his execution slated for Wednesday<\/strong>, the Hengaw rights group said, citing his family. Soltani would be the first protester executed by authorities since the protest movement began.<\/p>\n State media called for pro-government demonstrators to flood the streets in support of the regime on Monday, as it tried to minimise the impact of the protest movement. The Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, also called for people to join a \u201cnational resistance march\u201d on Monday.<\/p>\n You can read the full story here:<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.11 EST<\/p>\n Donald Trump and his national security team have been considering a range of attack options against Iran, including cyberattacks<\/strong> and direct strikes by the US or Israel<\/strong>, the Associated Press reports, citing sources.<\/p>\n Trump said his administration was in talks to set up a meeting with Tehran but warned overnight that the US \u201cmay have to act before a meeting\u201d.<\/p>\n Asked on Sunday by reporters aboard Air Force One if Iran had crossed his previously stated red line of protesters being killed, the US president, emboldened by the capture of former Venezuelan president Nicol\u00e1s Maduro,<\/a> <\/a><\/strong>and his wife, Cilia Flores<\/a>, said \u201cthey\u2019re starting to, it looks like.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re looking at it very seriously,\u201d Trump said. \u201cThe military is looking at it, and we\u2019re looking at some very strong options. We\u2019ll make a determination.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n We have some more comments from the German chancellor Friedrich Merz<\/strong>, who is on an official visit to India (see post at 08.40<\/a> for what he said earlier).<\/p>\n Merz said:<\/p>\n For two weeks now, we have seen more and more people from all parts of society taking to the streets across the country. <\/p>\n They are demonstrating peacefully for freedom and for a better life in their country. That is their right. <\/p>\n The greatest respect is due to them for the courage with which they are resisting the disproportionate, brutal violence of Iranian security forces.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) attend the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, on 12 January 2026. Photograph: Divyakant Solanki\/EPAShare<\/a><\/p>\n The last major protests in Iran<\/a> were triggered, in 2022, by the death in custody of a 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini<\/strong>, who died in an Iranian hospital days after being detained by the regime\u2019s morality police for allegedly not complying with the country\u2019s hijab regulations.<\/p>\n She was travelling with her family<\/a> from Iran\u2019s western province of Kurdistan to the capital, Tehran, to visit relatives when she was reportedly arrested for failing to meet the country\u2019s strict rules on women\u2019s dress.<\/p>\n Witnesses reported that Amini was beaten in the police van<\/a>, an allegation the policy deny, and Amini\u2019s family and activists say she was killed by a blow to the head while in custody, a claim denied by Iranian officials.<\/p>\n Her death sparked months of anti-government protests that marked the biggest show of opposition to Iranian authorities in years.<\/p>\n The protests after Amini\u2019s death shook Iran\u2019s Islamic authorities but subsided in the face of a crackdown in which rights groups said hundreds of people were killed.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Diplomatic channels remain open with the US, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson says<\/p>\n Iran\u2019s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei<\/strong>, has said communication lines with the US remain open, as the Trump administration<\/a> continues to weigh the option of military strikes.<\/p>\n \u201cThis channel of communication between our foreign minister (Abbas Araghchi) and the special envoy of the president of the United States is open,\u201d Baghaei said, in apparent reference to Steve Witkoff.<\/p>\n \u201cMessages are exchanged whenever necessary,\u201d he added, saying that while the US has no diplomatic presence in Iran<\/a>, its interests are represented by the Swiss embassy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Baghaei said Iran has never left the negotiating table and remains committed to \u200ddiplomacy, but stressed talks should be \u201cbased on the acceptance of mutual interests and concerns, not a negotiation that is one-sided, unilateral and based on dictation<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a005.41 EST<\/p>\n China has said it opposes the use of force in international relations and said it hopes the Iranian government and public are \u201cable to overcome the current difficulties and maintain national stability\u201d.<\/p>\n Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said this morning that Beijing:<\/p>\n Always opposes interference in other countries\u2019 internal affairs, maintains that the sovereignty and security of all countries should be fully protected under international law, and opposes the use or threat of use of force in international relations.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Share<\/a> The Guardian\u2019s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour<\/a>, has written an analysis piece exploring the factors the US is considering as it weighs up a potential attack on Iran. Here is an extract from his story<\/a>:<\/p>\n A major intervention by Washington, some are warning, will only fuel the fire of an Iranian government narrative that the protests are being manipulated as part of an anti-Islamic plot being led by the US and Israel<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Trump has promised that he will \u201cshoot at Iran\u201d if Iranian security services attack protesters; however, analysts suggested the speed of the crisis meant his team has no developed response ready<\/strong>.<\/p>\n There has been no major movement of US military assets<\/strong>, and many of his closest Middle East partners such as Qatar are urging restraint<\/strong>. Military options and other possibilities were being placed in front of the unpredictable president, the New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported. The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, spoke to the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Saturday.<\/p>\n The population density of Tehran \u2013 where roughly 12 million Iranians live \u2013 means it is hard to mount a targeted campaign from the air without risking many civilian casualties, as the US-Israeli assault in June showed. More than 1,000 Iranians died, creating a new, now apparently dissipated, nationalism.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n US President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn of the White House after arriving on Marine One in Washington, on 11 January. Photograph: ABACA\/ShutterstockShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a005.40 EST<\/p>\n ‘Iran is not seeking war but is fully prepared for war’ – foreign minister<\/p>\n We have some more comments from Iran\u2019s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, who has been addressing foreign ambassadors in Tehran.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Islamic Republic of Iran is not seeking war but is fully prepared for war<\/strong>,\u201d he said, as he warned adversaries against any \u201cmiscalculation<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are also ready for negotiations but these negotiations should be fair, with equal rights and based on mutual respect.\u201d<\/p>\n Araghchi said Iran is \u201cmore prepared\u201d than during its 12-day war with Israel in June (when over 1,000 people were killed when Israel bombed Iran for nearly two weeks with almost complete impunity).<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n We have some pictures in that are reported to show mourners carrying coffins during a funeral procession for members of security forces and civilians killed in the protests in Iran<\/a> yesterday:<\/p>\n Mourners carry coffins during a funeral procession for members of security forces and civilians said to be killed in protests on Sunday. Photograph: IRIB\/ReutersPeople mourn next to coffins during the funeral procession. Photograph: IRIB\/ReutersShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a004.10 EST<\/p>\n The protests, which began in Tehran on 28 December, were triggered by the collapse of the Iranian currency \u2013 the rial – and soon morphed into nationwide anti-regime demonstrations with people also angry at social and political restrictions imposed by the government.<\/p>\n As my colleague William Christou notes in this story<\/a>, the currency has continued to depreciate, while the government announced the end of a subsidised exchange rate for importers \u2013 a move that caused the price of groceries to soar.<\/p>\n In September, widespread UN sanctions against Iran came back into effect<\/a> for the first time in a decade after being triggered by the UK, France and Germany (the \u2018E3\u2019) as Tehran failed to convince western powers it would address their concerns over its nuclear programme.<\/p>\n They were are a \u201csnapback\u201d of measures frozen in 2015 when Iran agreed to major restrictions on its nuclear programme under a deal negotiated by the former US president Barack Obama.<\/p>\n Iran was already under huge economic strain caused by US sanctions that cut the country off from global finance.<\/p>\n International sanctions have played a major role in worsening economic conditions for ordinary Iranians who are having to contend with high inflation, soaring prices and a huge devaluation of the rial.<\/p>\n Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran on 9 January, 2026. Photograph: KHOSHIRAN\/Middle East Images\/AFP\/Getty ImagesShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a006.26 EST<\/p>\n We have some comments from Germany\u2019s Chancellor Friedrich Merz<\/strong>, who is on a diplomatic visit to India. He said Iranian authorities using \u201cdisproportionate and brutal violence<\/strong>\u201d against protesters was \u201ca sign of weakness<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cWe condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms,\u201d he added. \u201cThis violence is not an expression of strength, but rather a sign of weakness. This violence must end.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a004.20 EST<\/p>\n Iran\u2019s foreign minister says internet to be restored soon<\/p>\n The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, also reportedly said this morning that internet connectivity would shortly be restored in Iran<\/a>, including to embassies and government ministries. He did not say how long it would take for the internet to be restored.<\/p>\n Iran\u2019s internet shutdown has now lasted over 84 hours<\/strong>, according to internet tracking agency NetBlocks.<\/p>\n The tracking agency said the blackout could be circumvented with shortwave radio, connecting to cell coverage at borders, Starlink and satellite phones.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a004.18 EST<\/p>\n Protests ‘under total control’, Iranian foreign minister claims<\/p>\n Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi<\/strong> has claimed the protests have now \u201ccome under total control<\/strong>\u201d after the violence spiked over the weekend, according to comments being carried by Al Jazeera<\/a>, which we have not been able to verify the veracity of yet.<\/p>\n Araqchi was also quoted as having said the protests \u201cturned violent and bloody to give an excuse<\/strong>\u201d for the US president, Donald Trump<\/a>, to intervene.<\/p>\n He went on to say the demonstrations \u2013 which spread to almost all provinces and dozens of cities \u2013 were \u201cstoked and fuelled<\/strong>\u201d by foreign elements and vowed that security forces will \u201chunt down\u201d those responsible.<\/p>\n Because of the internet blackout it is difficult to get a clear picture of what is going on in Iran<\/a> as it is hard to obtain information from the ground.<\/p>\n Iran\u2019s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi claimed the nationwide protests in his country have now \u201ccome under total control\u201d. Photograph: Vahid Salemi\/APShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a004.19 EST<\/p>\n Opening summary<\/p>\n![\"Jason](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Jason-Rodrigues,-L.png\")
Jason Rodrigues<\/p>\n\n
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![\"Patrick](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Patrick-Wintour,-R.png\")
Patrick Wintour<\/p>\n\n