Iran in January 2026: the most important developments in security
Iran's security situation in January 2026 was shaped by a lethal crackdown on nationwide protests and a growing military standoff with the United States and Israel. Iranian forces reported dozens of deaths and over 1,200 arrests in the first week; death counts later ranged between 2,427, the government's official figure on 22 January, and more than 5,100, according to activists. On 29 January the European Union formally designated the Revolutionary Guards a terrorist organization. Iran called the decision a major strategic mistake and unlawful, and on 30 January threatened to designate EU countries as terrorists.
The US-Iran standoff followed its own course. President Donald Trump threatened strikes from 8 January, the US began withdrawing personnel from Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar on 14 January, and Iran closed its airspace to most flights for several hours on 15 January. Trump held off on a strike between 15 and 17 January, saying he had received assurances. A carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln reached the region on 26 January, and on 28 January Trump said time was running out. Iranian leaders warned that any attack would mean all-out war, with US bases and Israel as targets. Israel raised its alert level, and the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia said their territory would not be used against Iran.
Inside Iran, authorities announced thousands of arrests, including about 3,000 on terrorism charges by 16 January, and reported hundreds more alleged ringleaders in custody. The judiciary signaled executions, and on 28 January Iran executed a man it accused of spying for Israel. Iranian officials said foreign intelligence services were behind the unrest. A Kurdish group claimed attacks in the country, and hackers interrupted state television to show messages supporting Reza Pahlavi.
Military activity continued. Iran reportedly tested an intercontinental ballistic missile on 19 January, said it had added 1,000 drones to its army, and announced live-fire naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz, with joint drills with China and Russia also planned. On 31 January a gas leak explosion in Bandar Abbas killed one person and injured at least 14; the Revolutionary Guard denied it was an attack.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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