Round-up of #IranProtests Day 13:**Glimpses of the Flames of the Iranian People’s Uprising and Nationwide Clashes by Youth and Resistance Fighters**
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Live report | Friday, January 9, 2026
The nationwide uprising against the religious dictatorship in Iran has entered its thirteenth day on Friday, January 9, 2026.
Following a turbulent twelfth day, which saw general strikes across western Iran and the martyrdom of eight protesters in Lordegan, the flame of resistance has spread to the southeast. On Friday, the brave people of Zahedan took to the streets after prayers, defying a massive security presence and a near-total internet blackout aimed at concealing the regime’s atrocities.
Day 13 Roundup: Zahedan protests, regime threats, and internet blackout
On Friday, January 9, 2026, the uprising continued with intensity in Sistan and Baluchestan province, while regime officials in Tehran resorted to open threats of lethal force.
Key highlights from today include:
Zahedan Uprising: Massive crowds gathered near the Makki Mosque after Friday prayers, chanting “Down with the dictator” and “Down with Khamenei.”
Lethal Crackdown: Security forces in Zahedan opened fire on demonstrators using live ammunition, birdshot, and tear gas.
Regime Threats: The regime’s governor in Tehran explicitly threatened protesters with the use of weapons, distinguishing between “protests” and “riots” to justify upcoming crackdowns.
Women Lead the Way: Women in Zahedan played a pivotal role, chanting unity slogans linking their struggle to the capital: “From Zahedan to Tehran, my life for Iran.”
Digital Blockade: NetBlocks confirmed that Iran has been offline for 12 hours with national connectivity flatlining at 1%, a desperate move to hide the regime’s brutality.
Update—14:00 CET
Zahedan: Protesters brave live fire and tear gas; “Death to the dictator” echoes near Makki Mosque
On the thirteenth day of the nationwide uprising, the people of Zahedan (southeast Iran) have once again proven that the regime’s brutal suppression cannot silence the demand for freedom. Reports indicate that despite a heavy security atmosphere and a severe internet blackout, the courageous Baluch citizens poured into the streets.
At noon on Friday, January 9, coinciding with the end of Friday prayers, a large number of citizens gathered in the streets surrounding the Makki Mosque in Zahedan. They launched a demonstration, chanting anti-regime slogans including “Death to the dictator” and “Down with Khamenei,” explicitly targeting the regime’s Supreme Leader.
Regime opens fire on unarmed civilians
Fearing the expansion of the protests, the regime’s military and security forces stationed in the area immediately resorted to violence. Video footage and field reports confirm that repressive forces fired extensive tear gas and birdshot at the crowd. More disturbingly, reports confirm that security forces have opened direct fire with live ammunition to disperse the demonstrators.
While several protesters have been injured during this crackdown, the exact number of casualties and their condition remains unknown due to the severe disruption of the internet and the intense security blockade. Eyewitnesses have reported a massive deployment of suppression forces around the Makki Mosque and the streets leading to the gathering point.
In a display of national unity and defiance, women in Zahedan held a protest rally, chanting slogans that bridge the ethnic and geographic divides the regime tries to exploit. Their chant, “From Zahedan to Tehran, my life for Iran,” signifies the solidarity of the Baluch people with their compatriots in the capital and across the nation who have been protesting for the past 13 days.
Tehran Governor threatens protesters with lethal force
As the uprising spreads, the regime’s officials are dropping all pretenses of tolerance. In a blatant threat to the lives of protesters, the regime’s governor in Tehran, explicitly spoke of using weapons against the people.
Speaking on January 7, the governor used the regime’s standard tactic of labeling legitimate political dissent as “riots” to justify violence. He stated: “Protest, as I said, is completely different from rioting… Rioting has its own specific conditions. If it leads to destruction, confrontation, or attacks on bases, the necessary response will be carried out.”
He openly threatened that if protests escalate to what he terms “confrontation,” the regime will resort to using weapons. These remarks reflect the regime’s official policy of justifying naked violence against a population that has risen up against poverty and tyranny.
Nationwide Internet Blackout: Regime attempts to hide its crimes
In a desperate attempt to suppress the sweeping protests and cover up reports of brutality, the regime has imposed a near-total digital blockade.
NetBlocks, the internet observatory organization, reported early this morning that Iran has been offline for 12 hours. National connectivity has flatlined at approximately 1% of ordinary levels. This blackout is specifically designed to prevent the coordination of protests and to stop footage of the regime’s crackdown—such as the shooting of protesters in Zahedan—from reaching the outside world.
