Explainer: What's the latest on the unrest in Iran?

TEHRAN, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- A wave of protests has recently swept through Iran, with some turning into deadly clashes. The unrest has fueled claims by Iranian authorities that the United States and Israel may be behind the scenes.

What is the latest on the situation? How has the Iranian government responded? And how have the United States and Israel reacted?

WHAT IS GOING ON IN IRAN?

Protests have erupted in many Iranian cities since Dec. 28. They initially began with Tehran bazaar merchants demonstrating against the sharp devaluation of the national currency rial, and soaring inflation, before spreading to other cities. The unrest has led to casualties among both security forces and civilians.

The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Sunday that recent nights of unrest in Iranian cities have seen rioters attack members of security forces, attempt to kill women and children in the streets, and vandalize public and private property.

The agency said that at least 111 security personnel had been killed nationwide in maintaining order.

Around 200 people have been arrested, and "a considerable amount of ammunition, weapons, grenades and Molotov cocktails" have been confiscated, the report added, citing security sources.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Monday that the situation in Iran is "under total control." He said the country has obtained evidence of U.S. and Israeli involvement in domestic "terrorist activities," including footage allegedly showing weapons being distributed to protesters.

Iran's Press TV reported Monday that hundreds of thousands of people across the Gulf country heeded the government's call and took to the streets in a rally, condemning the "foreign-backed riots."

HOW IS TEHRAN HANDLING THE CRISIS?

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Jan. 3 that some were exploiting merchant protests to incite unrest and undermine security. While calling the protests themselves justified and expressing willingness to engage with demonstrators, he warned that the rioters must be punished.

Khamenei again delivered a televised speech on Friday, calling on the Iranian people to maintain unity. He accused some rioters of "ruining their own streets to make the president of another country happy," referring to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Tasnim recently reported that rising prices of daily essentials have fueled public discontent. According to the report, the government has responded by taking steps such as increasing subsidies for basic goods.

In a televised interview with the state broadcaster IRIB on Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that his government has held dialogues with protesters, listened to their demands, and was prepared to address the economic problems driving the protests. But he warned that the "rioters" would not be tolerated, and urged fellow citizens to resist acts of sabotage.

Regarding a nationwide internet blackout that has lasted for days, Araghchi said Monday that the government is coordinating with security authorities to ensure internet services are restored soon.

The Iranian government also declared on Sunday three days of national mourning for "martyrs" killed in the two weeks of protests, according to IRIB.

HOW HAVE U.S. AND ISRAEL REACTED?

Trump told reporters on Sunday that Iranian officials had contacted the United States to propose negotiations, adding that "a meeting is being set up." He added that his administration is weighing "some very strong options," including potential military action against Iran, in response to Iran's crackdown on protesters.

"We're looking at it very seriously. The military is looking at it, and we're looking at some very strong options. We'll make a determination," he said when asked by reporters aboard Air Force One.

Trump is scheduled to be briefed on Tuesday on the options, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing U.S. officials. On Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said diplomacy remains the preferred approach for the United States in dealing with Iran, though the Trump administration will not rule out military options if necessary.

Trump announced on Truth Social on Monday that any country doing business with Iran would pay a tariff rate of 25 percent on any business conducted with the United States. He said the order was "effective immediately," and "final and conclusive."

Citing anonymous American officials, U.S. media outlet Axios reported Sunday that Trump is considering multiple options to interfere in Iran, including sending an "aircraft carrier strike group" to the region, and launching "cyberattacks and information operations" against Iran.

However, "many inside the Trump administration think major kinetic action at this stage would undermine the protests," it said.

Iran's economic hardships are widely attributed to U.S. sanctions and military actions. In 2018, the Trump administration unilaterally quit the Iran nuclear deal and reimposed and expanded sanctions. Upon returning to power in 2025, Trump reimposed maximum economic and military pressure on Iran. In June 2025, Israel's surprise attack on Iran sparked a 12-day conflict, during which the United States openly bombed Iranian nuclear facilities.

In a post on social media platform X, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote Sunday that Israel is "closely monitoring" the unfolding situation in Iran. Axios cited U.S. officials as reporting that during a meeting with Trump on Dec. 29, Netanyahu mentioned the possibility of attacking Iran again in 2026.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East region as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran.

Araghchi said Monday that Iran is ready to negotiate with the United States based on mutual respect. Iran is "ready for war but also for dialogue," he said. ■