Iran's Police Chief Issues Three-Day Ultimatum to Protesters Amid Widespread Unrest

Ultimatum Issued to Protesters

Iran's National Police Chief, Ahmad-Reza Radan, announced on Monday, January 19, 2026, a three-day ultimatum for protesters involved in what authorities describe as 'riots' to surrender. Radan stated that those who turn themselves in within this period would be treated with leniency, considering them 'deceived individuals, not enemy soldiers.' Failure to comply, however, would result in facing the 'full force of the law' or 'severe legal consequences.'

Context of Widespread Protests

The ultimatum comes amidst a wave of anti-government protests that began in late December 2025. Initially sparked by widespread anger over economic hardship, including soaring prices, currency devaluation, and rising living costs, the demonstrations quickly escalated. Merchants in Tehran's Grand Bazaar were among the first to protest against inflation and the foreign exchange rate, with the unrest subsequently spreading across all 31 provinces of Iran. These protests have been widely characterized as the most significant challenge to the Iranian leadership in years, with some participants openly calling for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic.

Government Crackdown and Casualties

Iranian authorities have responded to the demonstrations with a violent crackdown, deploying riot police, tear gas, and live ammunition. An ongoing internet blackout, now in its 11th day, has made it difficult to ascertain the full scale of the government's response. According to the Iran Human Rights NGO, at least 3,428 protesters have been killed by security forces, with the organization warning that the actual death toll could be 'many thousands' higher. While Iranian state media reports approximately 3,000 arrests, human rights groups estimate the number to be as high as 20,000. The United Nations has expressed concern, stating that Iran is using executions as 'a tool of state intimidation,' noting an estimated 1,500 executions in the past year.

Official Statements and Pledges

In a joint statement, President Masoud Pezeshkian, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei pledged to address the economic problems fueling the unrest. Concurrently, they vowed to 'decisively punish' those identified as instigators of 'terrorist incidents.' Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei previously stated that authorities 'must break the back of the seditionists,' while officials have consistently attributed the 'riots' to foreign adversaries, including the United States and Israel.