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🇮🇷 Iran • Protests in Iran: Ali Khamenei promises a firm response
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has said that the Islamic Republic will not back down in the face of protesters, whom he has described as "saboteurs" and "vandals". He spoke today on state television for the first time since the start of a new wave of protests across the country. His tone was firm and martial, with no apparent openness to de-escalation. The government intends to show its cohesion and determination, despite the scale of the protests and the seriousness of the scenes reported.
In his speech, Ali Khamenei also launched a frontal attack on US President Donald Trump, saying that his hands were "stained with the blood of more than a thousand Iranians". He was referring to the 12-day war launched in June by Israel, with the support of the United States. The Supreme Leader added that the American leader would one day be overthrown, drawing a parallel with the dynasty that fell before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This rhetoric is part of a strategy of designating external enemies, which is common in times of internal tension.
The night before this speech was marked by large-scale demonstrations in several regions of the country. Rallies were reported in Tabriz in the north-west, Mashhad, a holy city in the east, and in the predominantly Kurdish west, particularly around Kermanshah. Images posted on social media, although difficult to authenticate, show clashes, fires and attacks on official buildings.
In the central city of Shazand, flames were visible at the governorate building after a gathering of protesters. In Isfahan, images show the entrance to the regional branch of state television on fire. These scenes are unfolding against a backdrop of a near-total internet blackout, decided by the authorities at the national level. According to the NGO Netblocks, the country was still disconnected after more than 12 hours, a measure intended to hinder mobilisation and the circulation of information.
From abroad, Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah and a figure of the opposition in exile, called for a new show of force in the streets. He urged Iranians to step up their mobilisation in order to further weaken the regime's repressive apparatus. The monarchist slogans and symbols seen at some demonstrations illustrate the diversity, but also the fragmentation, of political aspirations within the protest movement.
These events are the most significant demonstrations since those of 2022, which were triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for wearing a veil that was deemed to be improperly adjusted. At the time, the crackdown was severe and long-lasting. Today, the protests began against a backdrop of high living costs and economic hardship, before taking on a more political dimension.
The international reaction has been measured but critical. European diplomats are calling on Tehran to respect freedom of expression and restore internet access. Human rights organisations accuse the security forces of opening fire on demonstrators, killing dozens since the end of December. France and Germany have urged the Iranian authorities to show restraint and respect their international obligations. The Iranian government, for its part, is taking a completely firm line, with no visible concessions at this stage. RFI
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IN SHORT
🇵🇸 Palestine • Israeli strikes killed at least 13 people, including five children, according to the Civil Defence, during one of the most violent days since the "truce" came into effect on 10 October. A drone struck a tent for displaced persons in the south, killing four people, including three children. Other strikes hit the north and east of the enclave.
🇷🇺 Russia - 🇺🇦 Ukraine • President Vladimir Putin ordered the firing of an Oreshnik hypersonic missile at a target in western Ukraine, the first such strike since 2024. Moscow presents the operation as a signal to Ukraine, Europe and the United States. Ukrainian officials speak of dummy warheads. European leaders denounce an escalation, while diplomatic discussions are ongoing.
🇸🇾 Syria • In Aleppo, the last Kurdish fighters surrounded in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighbourhoods are refusing to evacuate despite the Syrian army's announcement of a ceasefire. After three days of intense fighting, the army is threatening to resume bombing. Kurdish forces say they want to defend their neighbourhoods and refuse to surrender. This crisis has reignited doubts about the integration of Kurdish institutions into the Syrian state.
🇸🇾 Syria – 🇪🇺 European Union • The European Union will grant approximately €620 million, or $722 million, to Syria in 2026 and 2027 for post-war reconstruction, humanitarian aid and bilateral support. Ursula von der Leyen spoke of the immense needs after years of conflict. The European Union wants to revive a cooperation agreement and launch a new political partnership. It is concerned about the recent violence in Aleppo.
🇾🇪 Yemen • Humanitarian organisations are warning of a rapid deterioration in the situation in the south of the country following the takeover of institutions in Aden by government forces. Although fighting has been limited, the roads remain dangerous, blocking access to healthcare and aid. NGOs are suspending their activities, while armed groups are extorting money from civilians. The already fragile health sector is also suffering major cuts in international funding.
🇾🇪 Yemen • The main separatist movement in the south appears divided after talks began in Riyadh under the auspices of Saudi Arabia. A member of the delegation claims that the Southern Transitional Council has decided to dissolve itself. The movement's leadership denies this and insists that no decision can be taken without the entire council. Separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi has left the country, a flight attributed to the support of the United Arab Emirates.
🇱🇧 Lebanon • The Lebanese army announces that it has completed the first phase of disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River. Political authorities have welcomed the operation, which they consider effective, including the dismantling of military infrastructure and the recovery of weapons in Palestinian camps. Israel, however, considers the efforts insufficient. The second phase, further north, is due to be submitted in February, against a backdrop of continued Israeli violations.
🇱🇧 Lebanon • The Israeli Air Force carried out a new wave of strikes against several regions of the country, with at least 22 raids reported south and north of the Litani River, as well as in the Anti-Lebanon mountain range. The Israeli army claims to have targeted Hezbollah weapons manufacturing and storage sites.
🇪🇺 European Union • A qualified majority of Member States approved the free trade agreement with Mercosur, despite opposition from France and anger from the agricultural sector. The ambassadors of the 27 Member States validated the procedure in Brussels. The President of the European Commission could sign the treaty as early as next week in Paraguay. The European Parliament's vote remains uncertain, ahead of ratification by Member States.
🇳🇱 Netherlands • The main Dutch parties are negotiating the formation of a rare minority government. D66, which won October's elections, is in talks with the Christian Democrats and the VVD. The coalition would have 66 seats out of 150 and would have to seek support on a case-by-case basis. Rob Jetten would then become the country's youngest Prime Minister in a highly fragmented parliament.
🇻🇪 Venezuela – 🇺🇸 United States • Donald Trump has announced that he will soon meet with Maria Corina Machado and said that it would be "a great honour" to receive her Nobel Peace Prize if she offered it to him. However, the US President believes that the opposition leader would struggle to lead the country due to a lack of internal support. Machado, who was recently honoured in Oslo, publicly dedicated her prize to Trump.
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