Day 31 of Iran Protests Live Report: Student protests expand in Tehran, clashes reported in multiple cities, and the number of identified martyrs reaches 700
Key Highlights from Day 31 of Iran Protests
- Martyr Toll Update: Names of 69 additional martyrs released, including women and children, bringing the confirmed total to 700.
- University of Tehran Protests: Large student gatherings and sit-ins held to honor fallen protesters and oppose forced examinations.
- Urban Clashes: Confrontations reported in Tehran, Karaj, Ramsar, and Shahriar, with security forces retreating in several instances.
- Rasht Uprising Overview: A detailed timeline shows how economic protests evolved into sustained clashes and strikes.
Martyrs of the Uprising: New Names Released
The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran announced on Monday, January 26, 2026, the names of 69 additional martyrs of the nationwide uprising after verification.
- 6 women
- 10 children and teenagers aged 12–17
This brings the total number of identified martyrs to 700, including 84 women and at least 40 children and teenagers.
Urban Clashes and Confrontations Across Iran
Tehran (Ariashahr) – Friday, January 9, 2026
Skirmishes and running confrontations erupted in the streets of Ariashahr, forcing special units to retreat amid widespread street unrest.
Karaj (Azimieh) – Thursday, January 8, 2026
Protesters set fire to the municipality building of District 1 in Azimieh. Video footage recorded voices stating that the building had been taken over before crowds moved toward nearby security facilities.
Shahriar (Qods / Qal‘eh Hassan Khan) – Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The local municipality building was set ablaze during confrontations with security forces.
Ramsar – Thursday, January 8, 2026
Clashes led to the takeover and burning of a police station. Security forces were forced to flee, and several police vehicles were set on fire. Footage showed officers surrendering with raised hands before retreating.
University of Tehran: Student Protests and Sit-ins
On Monday, January 26, 2026, students at the University of Tehran held multiple gatherings:
- 11:00 AM (Local time): Students assembled outside Ibn Sina Hall to protest the continuation of exams and called for their cancellation in honor of the uprising’s martyrs.
- 1:00 PM (Local time) : Medical students gathered to commemorate Aida Heidari, a martyr of the uprising.
- The two gatherings merged into a larger unified protest, with chants including:
- “We didn’t give blood to compromise”
- “The blood that’s spilled can’t be erased”
- “Khamenei is a killer—his rule is illegitimate”
- “Death to the dictator”
- “Freedom, freedom, freedom”
Students later held a sit-in outside the hall, maintaining their protest stance.
Rasht: From Economic Protest to Sustained Clashes
In Rasht, protests evolved rapidly over several weeks:
- December 28, 2025: Market strikes and street gatherings began over economic grievances.
- January 1–3: Demonstrations expanded into central districts, leading to clashes with special units. A security motorcycle was seized and burned.
- January 4: The covered bazaar and most shops closed in a full strike.
- January 9: Protesters confronted security forces using fire and barricades; a security agent was disarmed.
- January 10–11: Roads were blocked with burning tires; multiple regime symbols, banks, and Basij facilities were set on fire.
- January 16–21: Despite near-martial law conditions, nightly protests and skirmishes continued across the city.
Throughout this period, chants such as “Don’t be afraid, we’re all together” and “Death to the dictator” echoed across Rasht.
What Happened
On Day 31 of the Iran Protests, the uprising showed its multi-layered strength: rising martyr numbers underscored the regime’s brutality, while students, urban protesters, and striking communities continued to challenge repression across Iran. From universities to city streets, the movement sustained pressure despite arrests, violence, and intimidation—demonstrating its persistence and nationwide character.