Uprising in Iran – Day Seven: Bloodshed in Malekshahi and Khamenei’s Fear of a Defiant NationEscalating violence, nationwide resistance, and a regime losing control

On the seventh day of Iran’s nationwide uprising, protests reached a decisive turning point. As violence escalated in multiple cities, including deadly crackdowns in Malekshahi, the regime’s failure to contain the revolt became increasingly evident.

6 January 2026

Uprising in Iran – Day Seven

By Mohammad Imani

On Saturday, Iran’s nationwide uprising entered its seventh day and reached a decisive turning point. What initially began as scattered protests has now transformed into a full-scale revolt against the ruling religious dictatorship. The regime’s attempt to exploit a four-day public holiday to suppress unrest failed, and instead, protests expanded to 75 cities across 25 provinces. At the same time, both state violence and public defiance intensified to unprecedented levels.

The central tragedy of the seventh day unfolded in Malekshahi, Ilam Province. Security forces and plainclothes agents opened live fire directly on gatherings of protesting youth. Local witnesses described the incident as a bloody massacre. Reports indicate multiple fatalities and dozens of injuries. Imam Khomeini Hospital in Malekshahi was overwhelmed with the wounded, prompting an urgent call for blood donations. Following the attack, the regime imposed a military siege on the city. Rather than retreat, however, residents turned Malekshahi into a symbol of resistance and collective defiance.

After six days of silence, Ali Khamenei appeared publicly on the anniversary of Qassem Soleimani’s death. His remarks reflected deep fear and anxiety over the growing instability. Attempting to divide society, he labeled protesting youth as “rioters” and “agents of foreign enemies.” Yet these statements amounted to an implicit admission of the serious threat the uprising poses to the foundations of the regime. In response, Maryam Rajavi emphasized that the majority of the Iranian people stand against religious tyranny and that the nation’s mission is to end the rule of Velayat-e Faqih.

In Tehran, despite a near–martial law atmosphere, residents broke through the barrier of fear. In Naziabad, protesters set fire to motorcycles and vehicles belonging to repression forces and took control of the streets while chanting “Death to Khamenei.” In Haft-Hoz, large demonstrations were held for a second consecutive night, with chants of “Death to the dictator.”

The uprising spread further across the country. In Mashhad, demonstrators chanted slogans targeting the entire ruling system. In Shiraz, students blocked streets by burning tires and confronted security forces using tear gas. In Kazerun, a massive gathering formed in Shohada Square and was met with live gunfire by security forces.

Attempts by remnants of the defunct monarchy—acting in coordination with the IRGC and Basij—to divert the uprising through misleading slogans and manipulated protest videos have failed. On the contrary, such efforts only strengthened the national slogan:

“Death to the oppressor, whether Shah or Supreme Leader.”

Solidarity extended even from inside prisons. Political prisoners in Qezel Hesar and Evin sent messages supporting rebellious youth and stressed the necessity of disarming the forces of repression.

By the end of the seventh day, a clear picture had emerged. Despite internet shutdowns, mass arrests, tear gas, live ammunition, and diversionary tactics, the regime has failed to contain the uprising. Direct chants against Khamenei and the readiness of the younger generation to confront the machinery of repression demonstrate that the Iranian people have passed the point of no return.