Protests intensify in Iran, Qasem Soleimani’s statue vandalised

Tensions in Iran intensified on Wednesday, 7 January, as protesters in Fars province demolished a statue of Qasem Soleimani, the former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force. The incident occurred on the 11th consecutive day of nationwide demonstrations and was widely shared on social media, showing crowds actively vandalising the monument.

Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq in 2020, an event that triggered missile attacks by Iran on several American military bases across the Middle East. His death continues to symbolise a focal point of both reverence and dissent within Iran.

The protests, which began in Tehran on 28 December following a sudden rise in living costs, have rapidly spread to multiple provinces. Initially sparked by merchants in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar who closed their shops in protest against soaring prices, the movement has evolved into a broader outcry against economic hardship and government policies.

On Wednesday night, demonstrations intensified further, prompting authorities to cut off internet and mobile phone services in an attempt to contain the unrest. Despite these restrictions, thousands took to the streets in the capital and other major cities, demonstrating widespread public engagement.

In Isfahan, local sources reported that protesters set fire to a building associated with state television. According to Turkish news outlet Yeninet, demonstrators also targeted police motorcycles, government offices, and portraits of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Adding political weight to the protests, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last Shah, called on citizens to join the demonstrations on Thursday, further galvanising opposition voices across the country.

Summary of Recent Key Events:

The demonstrations, now lasting nearly two weeks, reflect both economic grievances and a growing political challenge to the Iranian government. Analysts warn that if the unrest continues to escalate, Tehran may face prolonged instability, with potential implications for regional security and domestic governance.