In a video, protestors can be heard shouting “Marg bar Khamenei,” which translates to “Death to Khamenei.”

Iranian protestors in Abdanan. January 6, 2026.
Iranian protestors in Abdanan. January 6, 2026.
(photo credit: screenshot/section 27a copyright act)
BySAM HALPERN
Amid the ongoing demonstrations in Iran, protestors are “claiming entire cities,” the US House Foreign Affairs Committee stated in a post to X/Twitter early Wednesday morning.

“Anti-regime protestors are rising up and claiming entire cities. Iranians have had enough of the tyrannical Ayatollah and his murderous mullahs,” the Republican-run committee wrote. “The Iranian regime’s grip is unraveling.”

otage chant ‘death to Khamenei’ Abdanan

In a post a couple of hours earlier, the account stated that “For too long, the Islamic regime in Tehran has denied its people the right to choose who governs them. Now, they are taking to the streets to reclaim that right.”

The posts on the social media platform were accompanied by videos showing thousands of people marching in the Western Iranian city of Abdanan.

In one video, protestors can be heard shouting “Marg bar Khamenei,” which translates to “Death to Khamenei.”

According to Iran International, Abdanan, located in the Kurdish-majority Ilam province, was a flashpoint for protests as funerals for killed protestors became large anti-government demonstrations on Tuesday.

Further, unconfirmed rumors spread the claim that police had joined the protests and the city was in the hands of the protesters.

According to HRANA, the nationwide protests, now in their eleventh day, have led to the deaths of at least 34 protestors.

At least 2,076 additional people have been arrested.

Alex Winston contributed to this report.


Senior Israeli and Syrian officials met in Paris under US auspices, reaching understandings on security coordination, de-escalation, and stability, with the US pledging continued support.

PM Netanyahu and Syrian President al-Sharaa

PM Netanyahu and Syrian President al-SharaaChaim Goldberg/Flash90

The Governments of the United States of America, the State of Israel, and the Syrian Arab Republic issued the following report regarding recent diplomatic engagements conducted under US auspices.

“Senior officials from Israel and Syria met in Paris under US leadership. The discussions were enabled by President Donald J. Trump’s leadership in the Middle East and focused on respect for Syria’s sovereignty and stability, Israel’s security requirements, and the promotion of prosperity for both nations.”

The two sides announced that they “agreed to establish a joint fusion mechanism, defined as a dedicated communication cell, to enable immediate and continuous coordination. This mechanism will address intelligence sharing, military de-escalation, diplomatic engagement, and commercial opportunities, operating under the supervision of the United States.”

They continued to say that the “joint mechanism is intended to provide a structured platform for the prompt resolution of disputes and to prevent misunderstandings through direct and ongoing communication.”

The US announced that it “welcomed these developments and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the implementation of the agreed understandings, as part of broader efforts to advance enduring peace in the Middle East, noting that respectful and constructive cooperation between sovereign nations creates conditions for stability and economic growth.”

The report concludes by stating that “this joint understanding reflects the spirit of the Paris meeting and the determination of the parties to open a new chapter in their relations, with an emphasis on long-term benefits for future generations.”


Iran’s Defense Council warns it may launch a preemptive strike if it detects an imminent threat, declaring Iran’s security and territorial integrity a “red line”.

Tehran

TehraniStock

Iran’s Defense Council warned on Tuesday that the country may carry out a preemptive strike against its enemies if it detects signs of an imminent threat to its security.

In a statement, the council – established to shape Iran’s defensive strategy following the 12-day war with Israel last June – declared that “Iran’s security, independence and territorial integrity are an uncrossable red line, and any aggression or continuation of hostile behavior will be met with a proportionate, decisive and decisive response.”

“The long-standing enemies of this land… are pursuing a targeted approach by repeating and intensifying threatening language and interventionist statements in clear conflict with the accepted principles of international law, which is aimed at dismembering our beloved Iran and harming the country’s identity,” the statement concluded.

The council emphasized that Tehran “does not consider itself limited to reacting after the fact, and considers objective signs of threat as part of the security equation.”

The statement comes amid speculations that another round of conflict between Iran and Israel could be possible. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday, during a Knesset session, that Israel had conveyed a message to Iran stating that if Israel is attacked, “the consequences will be severe.”

“[US President Donald] Trump and I will not allow Iran to restore its ballistic missile industry and nuclear program,” Netanyahu said during the session.

He added, “We identify with the struggle of the Iranian people. We may be standing at a crucial moment. If we are attacked, the consequences for Iran will be very serious.”

On Sunday, Iranian television reported that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has launched a military exercise involving missile launches and tests of air‑defense systems.

According to the report, the exercise is being conducted in several cities, including Tehran and Shiraz.

A day earlier, Iran International reported that Western intelligence sources had identified “unusual aerial activity” by the IRGC’s Aerospace Force.