Iran executes protester over January unrest shooting

Iran's judiciary announced on Monday it has executed a man who was arrested during protests in January, after he was accused of shooting at police officers.

According to Reuters, the judiciary said Siavash Jamshidi Kheirabadi fired at least three shots at police officers on January 8. He was arrested two days later in the southwestern city of Shahr-e Kord, allegedly in possession of a handgun. Authorities accused him of communicating online with others to organize "anti-security" activities and seeking payment to carry out a "mission," though they did not specify who was allegedly behind these actions.

The protests began on December 28, 2025, sparked by economic hardship, and quickly escalated into widespread demonstrations calling for an end to the rule of the religious establishment in the Islamic Republic.

Iran blamed armed groups and individuals supported by the United States and Israel for participating in the protests and being involved in some acts of violence.

According to Reuters, during the unrest, Israeli Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Amichai Eliyahu acknowledged the presence of Israeli agents inside Iran, stating their aim was to weaken the Islamic Republic's capabilities, but denied that they were directly working to overthrow Iran's leadership.