Day 20 uprising: Zahedan chants “Death to Khamenei” post-prayers despite siege; Rafsanjan torches regime sites amid clashes in Gonbad-e Kavus, Tehran.
As defiance gripped Iran on January 16, 2026, the regime’s internet blackout surpassed 180 hours, yet reports emerged of protests in Zahedan, Rafsanjan, Gonbad-e Kavus, Tehran neighborhoods, Khorramabad under tanks, Kermanshah, Dezful, and others. Rebellious youths clashed hit-and-run style with special forces, torching IRGC depots in Qolhak, banks, post offices, and Khomeini Relief Committee offices in Rafsanjan.
Iran Protests Update – January 16, 2026- Zahedan
In Zahedan, mass demonstrations erupted after Friday prayers, with protesters chanting “Death to Khamenei” and “Death to the dictator.”
The protests occurred despite the regime’s ongoing crackdown, underscoring continued… pic.twitter.com/XWTXYV4SQn
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) January 16, 2026
Resistance Units Martyrs
PMOI identified six Resistance Unit members killed by direct fire: Zahra (Raha) Bohlouli-Pour, 18, Tehran University student (Jan 8, Fatemi St.); Yasin Mirzaei Qaleh Zanjiri, student (Jan 8, Kermanshah); Reza Ghanbari, 17, worker; Rasoul Kodourian, 17, worker; Reza Kodourian, 20, worker (all Jan 3, Kermanshah); Diar Pourchehriq, 32, self-employed (Jan 9, Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran).
🚨 BREAKING | Iran Protests — Resistance Units Identified
The @Mojahedineng has identified members of its brave Resistance Units who were killed by regime fire during the nationwide uprising:• Zahra (Raha) Bohlouli-Pour, 18, University of Tehran student — shot dead on Jan 8,… pic.twitter.com/I0OcVTjRdG
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) January 15, 2026
Maryam Rajavi’s Tribute
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi saluted Zahedan’s Baluch for “Death to Khamenei” chants at Makki Mosque amid siege, praising their role in fueling the uprising to topple the regime.
Salute to the courageous people of Zahedan, and to the freedom-loving Baluch compatriots who today once again ignited the flames of Iran’s uprising through a brave march and chants of “Death to Khamenei” and “Death to the dictator.”
This demonstration, held in the wake of mass… pic.twitter.com/ScwbuHaFoC— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) January 16, 2026
Global Condemnation
Portugal shuttered Tehran embassy over repression, eyeing EU sanctions; Australia urged nationals to flee. 59 US Congress members backed secular republic; Estonia deemed it modern history’s bloodiest crackdown.