Day 12 Roundup: Widespread bazaar strikes, coordinated protests, and escalating confrontations across Iran
On Thursday, January 8, 2026, the nationwide uprising entered its twelfth day, as Iran Protests were marked by extensive strikes across major cities, alongside street demonstrations and clashes between protesters and regime forces.
Key Highlights from Today’s Iran Protests:
- Nationwide Bazaar Strike: Markets closed across Tehran and numerous cities following a joint call by seven Kurdish parties and organizations.
- Street Demonstrations: Protesters took to the streets in multiple provinces, confronting security forces and forcing retreats in some areas.
- Escalating Defiance: Arson attacks, road blockades, and attacks on regime-linked institutions were reported in several cities.
- Symbolic Targets Hit: Statues of Qassem Soleimani were destroyed in multiple locations as part of the Iran Protests.
On January 8, 2026, during the twelfth day of the nationwide uprising, markets in Tehran, Tabriz, Urmia, Mahabad, Ardabil, Ilam, Sabzevar, Arak, Neyshabur, Isfahan, Fardis, Bandar Abbas, and several cities across Kurdistan province, including Sanandaj, remained closed as part of a coordinated strike. The action followed a call by seven Kurdish political parties and organizations, significantly expanding the scope of the Iran Protests.
In Borujerd, bazaar merchants closed their shops and joined residents and rebellious youth in street demonstrations. Protesters marched through the city as public anger continued to build during the Iran Protests.
Simultaneously, demonstrations by rebellious youth continued in multiple cities. In Shiraz, protesters forced law enforcement units to retreat. In Kermanshah and Hamedan, rebellious youth staged protests and clashed with regime forces as Iran Protests persisted.
In Lumar, demonstrators chanted “Death to Khamenei” and “Tanks, cannons, fireworks—clerics must be gone,” torching a chain store affiliated with the IRGC and attacking a branch of the Agricultural Bank, scattering documents into the streets.
Protests were also reported in Kazerun, Borujerd, and Hamedan as the Iran Protests continued into the twelfth day. In Kerman, rebellious youth clashed with law enforcement forces and set fires in the streets.
During the evening of the eleventh day of the uprising, widespread clashes erupted in Aligudarz, while an undeclared state of lockdown was reported in Nurabad. In Kashan and Chenar Shahijan, statues of Qassem Soleimani were destroyed and set on fire by protesters. Intense clashes were also reported in Malekshahr, Isfahan, and Fasa.
In Bojnurd, thousands demonstrated chanting “This year is the year of blood.” In Bandar Abbas (Negin Passage) and Khash, protesters lit fires, staged demonstrations, and seized control of streets as Iran Protests continued nationwide.
What Happened
The current wave of Iran Protests began amid deep public anger over political repression, economic hardship, and decades of authoritarian rule. What started as localized demonstrations has evolved into a nationwide uprising, driven largely by youth, workers, and organized grassroots networks, challenging the legitimacy of the ruling system despite violent crackdowns.