📅 Timeline
Chronological events of Iran's ongoing crisis
January 2026
January 30, 2026
Trump: "Sending a Lot of Ships to Iran"
President Trump says US naval forces moving toward Iran, claims Iranian leaders "want to make a deal." Says his threat stopped 837 planned executions. White House declines to elaborate on timeline or conditions.
January 30, 2026
US Sanctions Interior Minister, Babak Zanjani
Treasury Department announces new sanctions against seven Iranian officials including Interior Minister Eskander Momeni and billionaire fraudster Babak Zanjani. First time US sanctions crypto exchanges linked to IRGC.
January 30, 2026
Araghchi Meets Turkish FM in Istanbul
Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi says Iran ready for "meaningful and fair" negotiations but won't accept dictated terms. Turkey's Fidan says he spoke with Trump's envoy before meeting, seeking diplomatic solution.
January 29, 2026
EU Designates IRGC as Terrorist Organization
European Union formally adds Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to terrorism list. Major diplomatic escalation. Iran's Larijani responds by declaring EU armies "terrorist organizations."
January 29, 2026
Karroubi: Crisis is Khamenei's Fault
Opposition figure Mehdi Karroubi issues statement blaming Supreme Leader for Iran's "deplorable situation." Follows Mousavi's call for regime to "put down guns and step aside."
January 28, 2026
Italy Urges Citizens to Leave Iran
Italian Foreign Ministry tells citizens to leave Iran immediately. Multiple Western countries have issued similar advisories.
January 27, 2026
Trump Threatens "Much Worse" Attack
President Trump posts on Truth Social warning Iran that if they don't come to the negotiating table, "the next attack will be much worse" than "Midnight Hammer."
January 18-19, 2026
Massive Crackdown on Protesters
Security forces launch coordinated crackdown. Arrests surge into thousands. Internet restrictions tighten. Multiple deaths reported from live ammunition.
January 10, 2026
Internet Blackout Expands
Iran implements near-total internet blackout. Limited VPN access requires millions of tomans for hours of connectivity. Described as most severe communications shutdown since 2019.
December 2025
December 27, 2025 (7 Dey 1404)
Protests Begin
Protests erupt in multiple cities over economic conditions — inflation, currency collapse, unemployment. Initially economic grievances, rapidly become political. Chants against regime begin within days.
Background Context
September 2022
Woman, Life, Freedom Movement
Death of Mahsa Amini sparks nationwide protests. Movement lasts months, faces brutal crackdown. Sets stage for current unrest.
November 2019
"Bloody November" Protests
Fuel price hike sparks protests. Government responds with lethal force. Estimates of 1,500+ killed. Establishes pattern of violent crackdown.
2017-2018
Dey Protests
Economic protests spread across Iran. First time chants explicitly call for regime change. Precursor to current crisis.