Calls for Reform Grow as Iran Protests Reach Ninth Day

Protests driven by Iran’s prolonged economic difficulties have entered a ninth consecutive day, continuing to draw both domestic reflection and international attention, as US President Donald Trump renewed warnings of possible American intervention.

Demonstrations were reported on Sunday across a wide geographic spread, with videos shared online showing crowds gathering in Tehran as well as in Fars, Ilam, North Khorasan and Semnan provinces. Human rights activists said unrest has now touched 26 of Iran’s 31 provinces since last week, highlighting the scale and nationwide character of the movement. They reported that at least 19 protesters and one member of the security forces have been killed during the unrest.

Overnight, President Trump issued a strong warning, saying Iranian authorities would be “hit very hard” should further protesters lose their lives. His remarks added to the growing international focus on events inside Iran, even as protests continue to evolve on the ground.

Within Iran, there were notable signs of internal debate and acknowledgment of public grievances. On Monday morning, the speaker of Iran’s parliament said the protesters’ “legitimate demands” should be listened to and used as a foundation for meaningful change, a statement that suggested the possibility of dialogue and reform emerging from the unrest.

At the same time, tensions played out on the diplomatic front. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman accused Israel of attempting to “undermine our national unity” following comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had expressed his government’s “solidarity with the struggle of the Iranian people” on Sunday.