Between January 1 and January 15, 2026, Karaj experienced sustained unrest as protesters torched regime centers, clashed with security forces, and openly challenged Khamenei’s rule.
Regime Centers Set Ablaze as Uprising Spread
During the continuation of Iran’s nationwide uprising, the city of Karaj became the scene of an intense, two-week confrontation between enraged residents and regime forces. Rebellious youth, overcoming a climate of fear and paying a heavy price in killed and wounded protesters, set fire to multiple regime institutions, including Police Station 43, District One Municipality, and several Basij bases.
Slogans such as “Death to Khamenei” and “Basiji, Sepahi (IRGC), ISIS — you are all the same” echoed across the city, while chants of “By the end of the week, Seyyed Ali (Khamenei) will be gone” reflected the protesters’ direct challenge to the Supreme Leader.
First Major Eruption in Gohardasht
Despite a heavy security presence and scattered gatherings, tensions in Karaj erupted on Thursday, January 1, during protests in Gohardasht, particularly along Momtaz Motor Street. People poured into the streets with determination. Security forces violently attacked protesting women, beating them in an attempt to disperse the crowd, but were met with fierce resistance. The protests quickly escalated into direct clashes with regime agents.
Night Protests and Live Fire
On Friday, January 2, large-scale demonstrations took place in Gohardasht, with protesters chanting “Death to Khamenei.” Regime forces opened fire to disperse the crowds, triggering running street battles. Later that night, demonstrations resumed in the darkness along Mollasadra Street, Malekshah Intersection, and Motahari Street near Home Plast. Protesters chanted “Death to Khamenei, Death to the Dictator,” while security forces responded with direct gunfire.
“Freedom” Chants in Golshahr
On Wednesday, January 7, residents of Golshahr held protests chanting “Freedom, freedom, freedom.” Despite the presence of security forces, protesters turned the streets into battlegrounds in their struggle against repression.
Power Cuts and Arson Attacks
On Thursday, January 8, demonstrators gathered near Noor 24-hour Pharmacy, chanting “Khamenei is a murderer” and “Death to the dictator.” Car horns amplified the protest atmosphere. In response, the regime cut street power, but demonstrators continued their rally.
In Vilashahr, rebellious youth set a Basij base on fire, prompting heavy and indiscriminate gunfire from regime forces. In Mehrshahr, protesters chanted, “Do not be afraid, we are all together.”
Night Protests Spread Across the City
On Friday night, January 9, despite an intense security climate, widespread night-time protests shook Karaj. Demonstrators chanted “Death to the dictator” and “This year is the year of blood,” alarming regime forces. Protesters destroyed 360-degree surveillance cameras installed to identify demonstrators.
In Fardis, protesters chanted, “Basiji, Sepahi, ISIS — you are all the same.” In Golshahr, demonstrations took place near the Golriz Supermarket. In Gohardasht, regime forces fired directly at protesters, killing and wounding several people.
Municipality Set on Fire
On Saturday, January 10, protesters set fire to District One Municipality during night demonstrations on Haddadi Street. Regime forces were deployed to Taleghani Square in Azimiyeh but were met with resistance from rebellious youth.
In Gohardasht, at the Amlak Intersection, protesters punished a Basij member. Night protests also took place in Banafsheh Township, where demonstrators blocked streets by burning tires and chanting “Death to the dictator.”
Police Station 43 Overrun
On Sunday, January 11, residents and rebellious youth in the Kianmehr district stormed Police Station 43, seized control of the building, and set it on fire. Protesters chanted “Death to Khamenei” and confronted security forces with chants of “Shameless, shameless,” while regime agents fired continuously at the crowd.
In Banafsheh Township, Golestan 2, protesters chanted “Death to the dictator” and “By the end of the week, Seyyed Ali will be gone,” as clashes erupted with special units and IRGC forces.
Deadly Crackdowns Continue
On Tuesday, January 13, night-time gatherings by youth in Golshahr turned into running battles, with protesters chanting “Death to the dictator” and “Death to Khamenei.” Regime forces opened fire directly, killing and wounding several demonstrators.
In Fardis, rebellious youth set fire to the city’s regime-affiliated council building.
Unofficial Martial Law
On Wednesday, January 14, clashes and running battles continued in Hesarak despite brutal repression. On Thursday, January 15, the regime imposed an undeclared state of martial law across Karaj. Nevertheless, protesters continued to resist using hit-and-run tactics, chanting defiant slogans as the sound of single gunshots echoed through residential neighborhoods.
