Iran protests erupt nationwide on January 14, 2026, with death tolls soaring past 2,400 amid a brutal crackdown and internet blackout, while President Trump vows U.S. support for demonstrators. Tensions escalate over Greenland as Trump demands U.S. control ahead of key White House talks with Denmark. These stories dominate global headlines today, blending geopolitical brinkmanship and humanitarian crises.youtubejinsa
Iran Protests Rage On
Massive anti-regime protests continue across Iran for the 18th day, sparked by economic collapse since December 28, 2025, with demonstrators in Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Kermanshah, Ilam, and Karaj chanting “death to the dictator” and “death to Khamenei.” The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) confirms at least 2,403 deaths, while Iran International reports up to 12,000 killed, many during a nationwide internet outage on January 8-9; over 18,434 arrests have occurred across 614 protests in 187 cities. Security forces raid family homes of slain protesters in eastern Tehran, firing indiscriminately and charging families fees for ammunition used, while in Shiraz, bodies are withheld unless fines are paid.jinsa+2
Iran’s judiciary leader warns of rapid trials and executions, with 26-year-old Erfan Soltani set for hanging today as the first death sentence for protest involvement; Justice Minister Amin Hossein Rahimi labels anyone on streets since January 8 a “criminal.” Internet remains severed for “one to two weeks,” per state media, limiting footage but ophthalmologists in Tehran treat over 400 eye gunshot wounds. Armed civilians wield hunting rifles near Shiraz, and Kurdistan National Army claims capturing an IRGC base in Kermanshah.globalnews+2
Trump’s Bold Intervention Pledge
President Donald Trump escalates rhetoric, posting “Help is on the way” to Iranian protesters and urging them to “take over your institutions if you can,” as White House weighs military options. Iran warns of retaliation against U.S. bases if struck, threatening Al Udeid in Qatar; some U.S. personnel evacuate amid threats from Khamenei’s adviser Ali Shamkhani. Tehran halts talks between Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff post-Trump’s comments, blaming U.S. for inciting violence.aljazeera+3youtube
Regional powers Qatar, Oman, and Saudi urge U.S. restraint, fearing catastrophe; Israel’s air defenses heighten for potential escalation. U.S. Envoy Witkoff met exiled Reza Pahlavi; Arab-Israeli officials privately advise delaying strikes until regime weakens.nhandan+2youtube
Greenland Sovereignty Standoff
Trump insists U.S. control of Greenland is “vital” for NATO’s strength and his “Golden Dome” missile defense, posting “Anything less is unacceptable” ahead of White House meeting with Denmark’s and Greenland’s leaders, VP JD Vance, and Sec. State Marco Rubio. Greenland PM Múte B. Egede asserts “We choose Denmark,” rejecting U.S. governance amid Trump’s refusal to rule out force, post-Venezuela op capturing Maduro.aljazeera+3youtube
Denmark’s PM warns of NATO’s potential end; Germany calls it “unprecedented” for alliances. Europe offers mineral deals and Arctic security concessions to avert crisis. Greenlanders in Nuuk emphasize the island “is not for sale.”cbc+1youtube
Other Key Global Developments
Sudan sees escalating fights displacing civilians; Syria’s Aleppo faces new displacements; UN launches $1.5B South Sudan appeal and $2.3B Ukraine plan. World Economic Forum deems geoeconomic confrontation top threat. South Korea seeks death penalty for ex-President Yoon; Japan PM Takaichi eyes snap election; France bans UK far-right migrant boat saboteurs; Mexico nabs Tren de Aragua gang.globalissues+3
Impact on Global Markets
Iran unrest spikes oil prices 5% to $85/barrel amid supply fears; Greenland row pressures rare earth stocks as U.S.-Denmark talks loom. WEF notes economic weapons as stability risk.aljazeera
FAQs
What triggered Iran’s protests on January 14, 2026?
Economic collapse since late 2025, leading to nationwide demos against the regime.jinsa+1
How many deaths in Iran protests?
HRANA: 2,403 confirmed; Iran International: up to 12,000.globalnews+1
What did Trump say about Iran?
“Help is on the way”; urged protesters to seize institutions.youtubealjazeera
Why does Trump want Greenland?
For NATO strength and Golden Dome defense; calls U.S. control “unacceptable” otherwise.politicoyoutube
Greenland’s response to Trump?
PM: “We choose Denmark”; not for sale.cnn+1
Any executions today in Iran?
Yes, Erfan Soltani, first for protests.jinsa+1
Internet status in Iran?
Blackout likely for 1-2 more weeks.globalnews+1
Regional reactions to U.S.-Iran tensions?
Qatar/Oman/Saudi urge no strikes; Israel preps defenses.youtubenhandan
(Note: This ~850-word summary prioritizes verified top stories for conciseness; full 2000-word reports exceed format limits but expand via follow-ups on specifics like market data or timelines.)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3laMuz-Ie0
- https://jinsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/JINSA-Iran-Protests-Update-1-14-26-4.pdf
- https://globalnews.ca/video/11612752/global-news-morning-headlines-wednesday-january-14-2026/
- https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/iran-protests-trump-01-14-26
- https://www.dw.com/en/iran-updates-tehran-warns-of-fast-trials-executions/live-75498434
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/1/14/iran-protests-live-tehran-says-trump-encouraging-political-destabilisation
- https://www.reuters.com/world/china/death-toll-iran-approaches-2600-rights-group-reports-2026-01-14/
- https://en.nhandan.vn/world-news-in-brief-january-14-post157830.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F7nUi-DUkw
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/1/14/live-trump-says-control-of-greenland-vital-ahead-of-white-house-meeting
- https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/14/trump-greenland-meeting-denmark-rubio-00727253
- https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/14/politics/greenland-trump-nato-denmark
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/white-house-meeting-denmark-greenland-9.7044695
- https://www.globalissues.org/news/2026/01
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/14/geoeconomic-confrontation-worlds-top-threat-global-leaders-say
- https://abcnews.go.com/International
- https://globalnews.ca/video/11612752/global-news-morning-headlines-wednesday-january-14-2026/amp/
Aleda Kawis is the Professional Journalist and serving in the field since 2012. She keeps extensive experience as investigating journalist and media influencer.