Has the Unrest in Iran Come to an End?!
WANA (Jan 18) – Street unrest in Iran has noticeably subsided in recent days, and the focus of relevant authorities has now shifted toward identifying and neutralizing the roots of anti-security actions.
According to official sources, by distinguishing between civil protests and violent incidents, a clearer picture of the nature of recent developments has emerged for the public.
Based on these assessments, the unrest can be seen as having two main layers. At the surface level, groups of vandals and saboteurs were active, concentrating on damaging public property and disrupting social order.
According to security officials, these groups lacked a coherent political agenda and their behavior more closely resembled sporadic acts of disorder.
Iranian protesters gather in a street during the protests erupt over the collapse of the currency’s value in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2026. Stringer/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
At a deeper level, more organized networks are accused of directing and escalating the violence. Iranian officials have stated that certain terrorist networks and elements linked to foreign intelligence services—including Mossad—sought to create security instability by inciting public sentiment and organizing violent actions.
Following the exposure of the violent dimensions and behind-the-scenes actors involved, social distancing from extremist currents has increased. Reports indicate that a significant portion of genuine protesters and the broader social base, aiming to prevent further security risks, have not responded to calls issued by regime-change groups.
Within this context, recent statements by Reza Pahlavi have also sparked reactions. Domestic analysts believe his assessments of Iran’s social atmosphere do not align with realities on the ground, noting that his recent calls have been met with widespread indifference and show no signs of broad public support.
Despite the decline in street unrest, security concerns remain. According to official sources, some terrorist groups, taking advantage of recent conditions and under the guidance of hostile intelligence services, have entered the country with significant equipment, and efforts to identify and eliminate them are ongoing.
Members of the Iranian police attend a protest in front of the British embassy following anti-government protests in Tehran, Iran, January 14, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
According to previously released figures, dozens of foreign intelligence services have been operating directly or indirectly against Iran. Although Iranian intelligence agencies have maintained substantial oversight of these networks in recent years, the country’s vast geography and the diversity of both formal and informal groups have increased operational challenges.
Over the past week, the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Organization have issued statements announcing numerous arrests.
Information obtained from the detained individuals and identified networks, according to these agencies, indicates that support and operational planning were largely carried out by Mossad-linked agents and certain American elements, while at another level, patterns associated with British intelligence planning have also been observed.
Officials emphasize that the clearance process will continue until full security is achieved, and it is expected that this phase of confronting organized threats will be completed in the near future.
LATEST UPDATES ON PROTEST GATHERINGS IN IRAN – JAN 24
WANA – Our team is closely monitoring the latest developments regarding protests in Iran and sharing key updates here. ……………………… Due to the internet shutdown in Iran, we were unable to provide timely updates over the past few days. Access has improved somewhat, and we will resume sharing news from Iran as quickly as possible. […]
