Tehran, Iran - January 05, 2026 At least 16 people have been killed during a week of widespread protests across Iran, according to reports from human rights activists. The demonstrations, driven by growing public anger over political and economic conditions, have been met with a forceful response from security forces. Human rights groups also reported at least 582 arrests, as authorities intensified efforts to suppress the unrest. Arrests were carried out in multiple cities, with some reportedly conducted by plainclothes or undercover security personnel. The most violent clashes between protesters and security forces were recorded in the western regions of the country, as well as in Tehran and the southern province of Baluchistan. Witnesses and activists described the use of live ammunition, mass detentions, and aggressive crowd-control tactics.