Iranian police arrested more than 200 followers and instigators of riots in various regions of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The arrests were made following a wave of widespread protests in a number of provinces, Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday (1/25/2026).
According to the report, more than 150 people were detained by security forces in the city of Yazd. This mass detention was carried out after protests in the area turned into anarchist acts that disrupted public order and the safety of citizens.
Meanwhile, police also detained at least 19 demonstrators in Semnan Province. Of these, 15 were arrested in the city of Shahrud. They are accused of being involved in the destruction of public facilities, including fire stations, bank branches, and vehicles belonging to law enforcement officials.
Tasnim also reported that Iranian intelligence officers had arrested around 40 rioters in Golestan Province, located in the northern part of the country. The detainees were reportedly found carrying various weapons and other items suspected of being used to incite riots and clashes with security forces.
The wave of protests in Iran has reportedly been increasing since the end of December 2025. The demonstrations were triggered by public concerns over the national economy, particularly the surge in inflation that occurred as the local currency, the rial, weakened against foreign currencies.
In a number of major cities and regions, protests that were initially peaceful turned into clashes between demonstrators and police. The protesters chanted anti-government slogans and demanded improvements in economic conditions and policies that were considered burdensome to the people.
In several incidents, the clashes resulted in casualties on both sides. Reports mention casualties among security forces and demonstrators, although the Iranian authorities have not yet released official data on the number of injuries or deaths.
The Iranian government has emphasized that it will take firm action against those deemed to be exploiting the economic situation to incite chaos and threaten national stability. Security forces have also increased surveillance in a number of areas to prevent similar riots from spreading.
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