Massive Military Build-Up in Iran as Protests Escalate Across Cities

Large crowds have kept up anti-government protests in Iran, even after an internet blackout and a harsh security clampdown. Demonstrations in Tehran and other cities have stretched into a second week, while the United States has weighed possible military options after threats of intervention from President Donald Trump.

The current wave is described as the biggest anti-government mobilisation in Iran in more than three years. Demonstrations that first flared in Tehran have expanded to dozens of towns and cities, as anger over economic pain and the collapse of the currency has mixed with broader political demands.

Iran protests: scale of unrest and security crackdown

Estimates from The Wall Street Journal suggest the Iran protests have spread to around 180 cities. Human Rights Activists News Agency, based in the US, has reported at least 116 deaths linked to the crackdown. The group has also documented more than 2,600 arrests since the first rallies began.

Officials initially urged "restraint" and announced limited steps to ease public anger. As rallies grew louder, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led government shifted course and relied on force. Security units have moved against crowds with greater intensity, reinforcing the message that further dissent will bring heavier punishment.

Iran protests: executions warning and official threats

Judicial authorities in Iran have warned that some protesters could face capital punishment. Prosecutor Ali Salehi said demonstrators were waging a "war against God and that they would face execution for their actions." The message aimed to deter further gatherings as organisers called for fresh marches across the country.

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf echoed that line in a televised address. Qalibaf praised the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for standing firm and declared, "The people of Iran should know that we will deal with them in the most severe way and punish those who are arrested." Lawmakers responded with chants of "Death to America!"

Iran protests: Saturday rallies in Tehran and public calls

Fresh rallies were held in northern Tehran on Saturday night, according to videos verified by news agency AFP. These crowds gathered despite a nationwide internet shutdown that had been imposed on Thursday and still remained in place. Protesters continued to chant against the Khamenei-led government and filled several streets in the capital.

Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi had urged residents to return to the streets in large numbers. On Friday, Pahlavi welcomed the demonstrations and called on supporters to seize control of city centres across Iran. Organisers expected more Iran protests on Sunday as activists responded to the appeal and showed no sign of backing down.

Iran protests: key figures and spread of demonstrations

Data on deaths, arrests and spread linked to the Iran protests has been summarised below.

Iran protests: US reaction, airstrike plans and military build-up

The Khamenei-led government has accused Trump and the US of driving the unrest. Khamenei said the US President had blood from Iranians on his hands and claimed Trump, like other rulers in history, would eventually face downfall. Officials in Tehran have rejected Washington's statements of support for the Iran protests.

Trump has repeatedly warned that the US could step in if the situation worsened. The President argued that Iran was "looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before". Reports on Sunday suggested American planners were considering possible airstrikes on both military and non-military sites in Tehran if Trump chose to act on these threats.

Iran has sent its own warning to Washington and Israel over any strike during the Iran protests. In a televised speech, Qalibaf stated that any act of aggression would make both countries "legitimate targets". That statement came while Parliament members shouted "Death to America!" in the chamber, underscoring tensions between the rivals.

Retired US army colonel and television analyst Douglas McGregor claimed there was a major build-up of forces in the Middle East. McGregor said, "US strikes on Iran look to be imminent." Reports indicated that defence officials were examining a range of options, although no final decision by Trump had been announced.

The protests, which began on 28 December 2025 over economic hardship, have grown into a wider challenge to the Iranian leadership. With internet access restricted, hundreds of arrests reported and both Tehran and Washington trading threats, the Iran protests have remained intense and were expected to continue on Sunday.