Tehran, January 8, 2026 (Agencies): Iran is on heightened alert as nationwide protests continue and authorities prepare for a potential US–Israeli military strike. Air surveillance and radar systems have been activated in Tehran and other major cities, including Qom, Kashan, and Tabriz, amid growing regional tensions. Iranian officials said the activations are defensive, aimed at protecting key military and nuclear infrastructure.
The air surveillance network includes domestically upgraded systems such as the Falaq radar, capable of detecting and tracking aircraft, missiles, cruise missiles, and drones over several hundred kilometers. State media broadcast footage of anti-aircraft batteries firing over Tehran, reflecting Tehran’s readiness to intercept any potential threats. Analysts say the measures are part of a broader effort to demonstrate deterrence and protect critical urban and military assets.
At the same time, Iran faces widespread domestic unrest. Protests that began in late December 2025 over soaring inflation, economic hardship, and government corruption have now spread to more than 25 provinces and hundreds of cities and towns. Rights groups report that at least 25 people have been killed and over 2,000 detained in clashes with security forces. Protesters have faced live ammunition, tear gas, and raids on hospitals, resulting in serious injuries and deaths.
Iranian authorities have taken a mixed approach to the unrest. The head of the judiciary warned that there would be “no leniency” for protesters labeled as rioters, while the president urged security forces to exercise restraint and distinguish between peaceful demonstrators and violent elements. Senior military officials also warned of foreign interference, underscoring the intersection of domestic and regional pressures.
The protests, initially driven by economic distress including a collapsed rial, unemployment, and rising poverty, have increasingly included political demands and criticism of the clerical establishment. Government measures, including small direct subsidies, have been widely criticized as insufficient to quell public anger.
The combination of internal unrest and heightened military alert highlights Tehran’s precarious position. Security forces remain on high alert, both to respond to ongoing protests and to defend against any potential external strike from the United States or Israel. Several foreign governments, including Australia, have issued travel warnings advising their nationals to leave Iran due to the deteriorating security environment.
Analysts say that the dual pressures of domestic instability and external threat could complicate Tehran’s decision-making, while also signaling to the region that Iran is prepared to defend its airspace and strategic assets, even amid significant internal challenges.