Iran protests: Reports of intense clashes in Tehran and Mashhad, regime officials admit organized resistance

2026-01-27 - 22:21

On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the uprising of the Iranian people continues despite the regime’s brutal crackdown on protests. Reports from inside the country indicate heavy confrontations in major cities, particularly Mashhad and Tehran, where rebellious youth are engaging in hit-and-run battles with the regime’s suppressive forces. While the regime continues its brutal crackdown, extending the internet blackout to its 20th day, international pressure is mounting. Italy has signaled a major shift in policy, pushing for the European Union to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Meanwhile, fear is palpable among regime officials, with the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council admitting to the organized nature of the protests and the presence of arms among the youth. The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) has released the names of 87 additional martyrs, further exposing the extent of the regime’s crimes against humanity. Roundup: Night battles in capital, 781 martyrs identified, and EU sanctions push On Tuesday, January 27, the uprising saw significant escalations on the streets and in diplomatic circles. Key highlights include: Tehran and Mashhad Clashes: Intense night battles reported in Mashhad and Tehran’s Kashani Boulevard and Elahiyeh district. Security forces were heard threatening protesters with live ammunition. New Martyrs Identified: The PMOI announced the names of 87 more martyrs, including 16 women and four children, bringing the total verified death toll to 781. Regime Admissions of Armed Resistance: Ali Larijani, Secretary of the regime’s Supreme National Security Council, admitted that protesters are organized and armed, acknowledging a shift toward armed resistance against the regime. Internet Blackout: The regime’s government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, confirmed that the Supreme National Security Council ordered the internet shutdown, while NetBlocks reports the blackout is approaching its 20th day. Italy Pushes for Terror List: Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced Rome will ask EU partners to place the IRGC on the terrorist list due to the “heinous acts” committed during the crackdown. Heavy clashes and live fire in Mashhad and Tehran As the uprising continues through January, the holy city of Mashhad and various districts in Tehran have become war zones between the people and the regime’s suppressive apparatus. January 8—Mashhad, northeast Iran Newly obtained footage shows security forces using live ammunition against unarmed protesters, who are trying to take cover and continue their protest rallies.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/mwWlUFgZey — People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 27, 2026 In Mashhad, video footage obtained from the city shows extensive clashes and hit-and-run tactics by rebellious youth against security forces. The footage, recorded in the heart of the night, captures the continuous sound of gunfire and explosions. Thick smoke from burning street barricades covers the area, while flames visible among the trees and streets reflect the people’s anger and the regime’s loss of control. In the capital, Tehran, the Kashani district in the west has become a focal point of direct confrontation. Videos from the intersection of Ayatollah Kashani Boulevard and Abazar Street show some of the heaviest street fighting of the night. Rebellious youth can be heard chanting, “We may die, but we will take Iran back” and “The mullahs must get lost.” The footage also documents criminal regime agents using loudspeakers to threaten the protesters, stating: “If you make an illogical move, we have a judicial order and we will shoot you with live rounds.” January 8—Tehran, Iran Newly obtained videos show protesters facing off against the regime's brutal security forces during one of the most intense days of the nationwide uprising.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/JI6XseDETh — People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 27, 2026 Additionally, in the Elahiyeh district of Tehran, residents gathered in large numbers, engaging in organized slogan-chanting and street clashes with suppression units. PMOI identifies 87 more martyrs, including children The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) announced on Tuesday, January 27, the names of 87 additional martyrs of the nationwide uprising. These names were released following rigorous verification. Among the newly identified martyrs are 16 women and four children and adolescents aged 11 to 17. One of the victims, Huzaifa Oustakh (Zargar), was an 11-year-old child killed in Mashhad. Names of Martyrs of the Iranian People’s Nationwide Uprising This brings the total number of martyrs identified by the PMOI to 781. The toll includes at least 100 women and 44 children. The regime continues to hide the true scale of the massacre, often burying victims in secret or pressuring families to remain silent. Ali Larijani admits protesters are organized and armed In a telling admission of the regime’s vulnerability, Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, spoke on Monday, January 26, about the changing nature of the uprising. Larijani acknowledged that the protesters are not merely chanting slogans but are organized and armed. This shows that the regime’s efforts to quell the protests through brutal repression and mass murder has not worked. He further expressed the regime’s fear of a total collapse, stating that when protesters move quickly toward military and police centers to acquire weapons, “it means they are seeking a civil war.” Regime confirms internet blackout as a security measure Fatemeh Mohajerani, the spokesperson for Masoud Pezeshkian’s government, defended the ongoing internet blackout, confirming that the decision lies with the Supreme National Security Council. “In conditions where security is in danger, it is obvious that decisions will be taken by the Supreme National Security Council. At the discretion of policymakers, the internet had to be cut off,” Mohajerani stated. She admitted that while the government claims to support free internet, “in issues where security comes first, it is obvious that we are all subject to this decision.” Update: With #Iran's internet shutdown approaching day 20, many networks are becoming visible internationally. HOWEVER: No return to usual: Web still heavily filtered on a whitelist basis. Circumvention still needed: The opening of protocols can enable new workarounds. pic.twitter.com/psHtkAWeTi — NetBlocks (@netblocks) January 27, 2026 Simultaneously, NetBlocks confirmed that the internet shutdown in Iran is approaching its 20th day. The watchdog noted that there is “no return to usual” and the web remains heavily filtered on a whitelist basis, requiring circumvention tools for any access. Italy pushes EU to list IRGC as terrorists In a significant diplomatic blow to the regime, Italy announced it will ask EU partners to place the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the EU’s terrorist list. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that the “bloody Iranian crackdown on street protests this month that reportedly killed thousands of people could not be ignored.” Tajani emphasized that the losses suffered by civilians require a clear response and that he would propose “the inclusion of the Revolutionary Guards on the list of terrorist organisations, as well as individual sanctions against those responsible for these heinous acts.”