Iranian authorities said 6,000 people accused of being connected to protests that spread across the country in January had been detained. Iranian Police Chief Ahmadreza Radan claimed that the detainees had been involved in an attempted coup and had assisted countries Iran considers enemies during the protests.
Radan said those detained would not be released, except for people who expressed regret and repented.
Protests began over economic hardship
The protests began at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar on December 28, 2025, following a sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions. The demonstrations later spread to many cities across the country.
The protests intensified on January 8 and 9. Iranian authorities said some demonstrations had turned violent, with attacks targeting security forces and buildings belonging to public and private entities.
Iranian authorities accused the United States and Israel of supporting the unrest. Washington and Tel Aviv denied the accusations. The authorities also said extensive damage had been caused to public and private property, including government buildings, banks, police stations, schools, mosques, homes and vehicles.
Judiciary seizes 240 properties and assets
Iran’s judiciary announced that 240 properties and other assets belonging to people accused of activities against the country or supporting hostile governments had been seized. The measures also covered some people living abroad.
In a statement, the judiciary said 182 bank accounts had also been frozen. The measures targeted people accused of conducting propaganda against Iran and cooperating with Israel and other countries Tehran considers enemies.
Death toll figures differ
Iranian authorities said 3,117 people, including civilians and security personnel, had been killed in the unrest in January. Rights groups reported higher death tolls.
