Iran President Pezeshkian Pledges Economic Overhaul Amid Violent Nationwide Protests

The government says it's ready to listen, but its actions suggest a steel-fisted response. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has promised to overhaul the nation's struggling economy following two weeks of increasingly violent demonstrations. While adopting a conciliatory tone toward economic grievances, he didn't hesitate to blame foreign adversaries for the current unrest.

President Pezeshkian Pledges Economic Overhaul Amid Crisis

According to Al Jazeera, Pezeshkian used a televised interview on January 11, 2026, to address the crisis. He stated that his administration is determined to resolve economic issues, acknowledging that people have legitimate concerns. The protests were ignited in late December 2025 after the Iranian currency plummeted, leading to skyrocketing inflation and living costs.

However, the President also accused the United States and Israel of fomenting chaos. He urged citizens to distance themselves from what he labeled as "rioters and terrorists," signaling that the state's patience for political dissent is wearing thin.

A Rising Death Toll and Digital Darkness

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The human cost of the unrest continues to climb. State media reported that 109 security personnel have been killed. Meanwhile, human rights organizations claim that at least 51 protesters, including 9 children, have been killed by security forces. A nationwide internet blackout has persisted for over 60 hours, effectively cutting off the country from the global web.

Trump Administration Escalates Pressure

The situation has become an international flashpoint. U.S. President Donald Trump warned of potential military strikes if Iranian authorities continue to kill demonstrators. In response, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that all U.S. bases and ships would become "legitimate targets" if Iran is attacked.