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Iran: A Timeline of Protests Since 1999

Published January 9, 2026, 14:12
Iran: A Timeline of Protests Since 1999

Iran has experienced waves of protests since 1999, starting with student movements and culminating in the recent “Woman, Life, Freedom” slogan. The protests, often triggered by economic issues such as the rising cost of living and inflation, quickly evolve into broader expressions of discontent with the political system. According to activists, the recent demonstrations have led to more than 2,000 arrests and at least 34 deaths. The suppression of protests is a consistent pattern in Iranian history, with police and Basij paramilitary forces using violence to disperse them. The Revolutionary Guards, an autonomous military mechanism directly accountable to the Supreme Leader, have extensive experience in suppressing demonstrations. A look back at previous protests reveals similar patterns. In 1999, the closure of a reformist newspaper led to student demonstrations that were violently suppressed, resulting in deaths, disappearances, and mass arrests. In 2009, the “Green Movement,” which challenged the results of the presidential elections, was met with similar harshness. The November 2019 protests, sparked by fuel price hikes, are another example of ongoing discontent and violent suppression. The history of protests in Iran demonstrates a continuous conflict between the popular demand for change and the state's determination to maintain its power.