As of January 7, 2026, Iran is engulfed in one of the most widespread and intense waves of anti-government protests in its recent history. What began in late December 2025 as demonstrations against the dramatic devaluation of the rial—plummeting to around 1.4 million per U.S. dollar amid hyperinflation exceeding 40%—has rapidly evolved into a direct challenge to the Islamic Republic's authority.

On January 7, 2026, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot a 37-year-old U.S. citizen in south Minneapolis during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation. The shooting occurred near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue, an area where federal agents were clashing with protesters opposing the arrests of undocumented immigrants.

In the ever-shifting landscape of American political activism, few things highlight inconsistencies like the recent wave of protests following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Just months ago, progressive voices were chanting "No Kings" now they want to "Save Maduro".