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January 9, 2026

Protests Continue in Iran; Trump Renews Threat to Attack Iran If Protesters Are Crushed
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Anti-government protests continue in a number of Iranian cities despite
a new nationwide internet blackout. International calls are also being
blocked. The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights estimates 45 people have
been killed since the protests began on December 28 over Iran's economic
crisis, which has been worsened in part by U.S. sanctions. Earlier
today, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said protesters are
"ruining their own streets" to please U.S. President Donald Trump. On
Thursday, Trump renewed his threat to attack Iran if security forces
violently crush the protests. Trump said, "If they do it, we're going to
hit them very hard."


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