Iran Police Update Situation After Nationwide Protests
On Saturday, 10 January 2026, the Iranian police revealed the latest condition in the country. The situation in Iran is now reported to be calm, a day after widespread public unrest in the country. The police spokesperson, Saeed Montazer Al-Mahdi, explained that there were only a few cases in some cities involving groups he referred to as ‘terrorists.’
“Based on observations in the field, the social situation in various cities across the country has now calmed down,” said Al-Mahdi as quoted by the Iranian news agency IRNA on Saturday, 10 January 2026.
The protests in Iran started in late December amid the weakening of the local currency, the Iranian rial. Protesters complained about the sharp exchange rate fluctuations and its impact on wholesale and retail prices. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened the Iranian authorities during the protests. On Friday, Trump stated that Washington would engage and “hit them very hard at their weakest point” if protesters were killed during riots in Iran.
Earlier on Friday, Iranian media reported that protesters had vandalized private and state properties in Tehran. Meanwhile, the mayor of the capital, Alireza Zakani, spoke about the attacks carried out by participants of public riots on 8 January against security forces facilities, arson of buses and fire trucks, and attacks on banks.
Government television reported casualties during the events but did not specify their origin. Iran is experiencing a period of high inflation, with the Central Bank setting the annual inflation rate at 38.9 percent. The unofficial exchange rate of the US dollar, which was around 50,000 rials (approximately Rp842) before the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal in May 2018, has now skyrocketed to around 1.4 million rials (approximately Rp23.595) in the open market.
In conclusion, the situation in Iran remains tense despite the government’s efforts to restore order and calm amidst economic challenges and civil unrest. The international community continues to monitor the developments in Iran closely.
