From the Liveblog of
Friday, January 9, 2026
Iran state TV breaks silence on protests, claims ‘terrorist agents’ of US and Israel set fires
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Iranian state media breaks its silence over the demonstrations that swept the country overnight, alleging “terrorist agents” of the US and Israel set fires and sparked violence.
The brief report buried in state TV’s 8 a.m. (6:30 a.m. Israel time) broadcast represents the first official word about the demonstrations.
It claims the protests saw violence that caused casualties, but does not elaborate.
It also says the protests saw “people’s private cars, motorcycles, public places such as the metro, fire trucks and buses set on fire.”
Iran’s government has shut down the internet and international phone calls, making it difficult to contact those inside the Islamic Republic.
However, a call by Iran’s exiled crown prince apparently sparked a mass demonstration starting at 8 p.m. local time Thursday.
The Times of Israel Community.