Days-long protests across Iran spread into the capital city of Tehran on Thursday, with reports of fires, mass demonstrations, and nationwide internet disruptions as widespread unrest continues to escalate.
Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, citing human rights organizations, reported from the ground that demonstrations had expanded to more than 111 locations nationwide as of Thursday, January 8.
“We also know there are fires set in the Iranian capital of Tehran with thousands of people in the streets there,” Yingst said.
“We continue to follow these developments on the ground out of Iran.”
He added that there were reports of partial and full internet outages across multiple regions, along with a general strike ordered earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, videos have been emerging online showing protesters burning down the Islamic regime’s buildings.
WATCH:
The Persians have burned down a government – military building in their fight for freedom in Iran.
This video should give you the feels.
All the want is their freedom.
pic.twitter.com/YuGeG4JtFz— Peter B (@realpeteyb123) January 9, 2026
The unrest began nearly two weeks ago amid soaring inflation and rising costs of living and has since escalated into widespread protests and merchant strikes.
Market closures and disruptions have been reported in several cities as demonstrators continue to challenge the regime.
In Tehran, gatherings were reported along Ayatollah Kashani Boulevard and other major thoroughfares, according to Fox News.
Protests and clashes with security forces were also reported in provinces including Kurdistan, Fars, Kermanshah, and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari.
Iranian authorities responded by restricting communications.
On the evening of January 8, reports from online monitoring groups indicated a nationwide Internet blackout.
Earlier localized outages had been observed in areas such as Lordegan in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, as well as cities in Ilam Province.
Casualty figures varied by source.
The Norway-based Iran Human Rights group reported at least 45 protesters killed by security forces since late December, including eight children, with 13 deaths recorded on the night of January 7 alone.
DAY 12 IN IRAN: A nationwide internet blackout, with much phone service cut.
Iranian security forces have killed at least 45 protesters.
Millions have taken to the streets in every city across Iran. pic.twitter.com/jTxBHRLSjs
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 8, 2026
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported 39 protesters killed and four security personnel deaths, along with more than 2,200 arrests nationwide.
President Donald Trump said the United States is closely monitoring the situation and warned of potential intervention if the Iranian regime violently cracks down on demonstrators.
“If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue,” Trump wrote on Truth Social last week.
“We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”
Iranian opposition figures abroad have also voiced support for the demonstrations.
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and Maryam Rajavi, president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, both urged continued public pressure.
“Great nation of Iran, the eyes of the world are upon you,” Rajavi said in a statement.
“Take to the streets and, as a united front, shout your demands.
“I warn the Islamic Republic, its leader, and the IRGC that the world and President Trump are closely watching you.
“Suppression of the people will not go unanswered.”
As protests intensify in Tehran and beyond, Iranian authorities have yet to release official nationwide casualty figures, while communications restrictions continue to limit information coming out of the country.
READ MORE – Iranian Protesters Rename Tehran Street After Trump amid Anti-Regime Uprising
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