CBRN event in Iran, Islamic Republic of on Fri 9th January 2026

Prominent Iranian Sunni cleric Moulana Abdol Hamid may be reemerging as a catalyst for protests in southeastern Iran, which would compound the bandwidth constraints that Iranian security forces are reportedly facing. Abdol Hamid stated during his Friday sermon that Iranians believe that Iran is at an “impasse” and are seeking major, peaceful changes to ensure capable and inclusive governance and build positive relations with the world.[29] Abdol Hamid also urged security forces not to confront protesters, to avoid escalating tensions, and to respect citizens’ right to peaceful protest.[30] A medium-sized anti-regime protest, which CTP-ISW defines as a protest with 100-1,000 participants, broke out in Zahedan after Abdol Hamid’s January 9 sermon.[31] Security forces used live fire, plastic pellets, and tear gas to try to disperse the protesters.[32] Smaller protests separately took place in Chabahar, Sistan and Baluchistan Province, for the first time on January 9.[33] Abdol Hamid was a catalyst for protests in Zahedan during and after the Mahsa Amini movement. Zahedan residents began holding weekly protests after Friday prayers in late September 2022, after security forces violently suppressed protesters in an event that became known as “Bloody Friday.”[34] Zahedan residents continued to hold weekly Friday protests even after the Mahsa Amini protest movement culminated in other parts of the country.[35] The resumption of protest activity in southeastern Iran during the current wave of protests could further constrain Iranian security forces, as security forces also contend with unrest in other parts of the country.