The Iranian government recently orchestrated significant pro-government rallies across several cities, including Tehran, on January 12, 2026, in a clear demonstration of power and an attempt to counter mounting civilian unrest. These state-backed mobilizations drew tens of thousands of supporters to major squares like Tehran's Enghelab Square, with state television broadcasting images of the crowds waving Iranian flags. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asserted that these massive rallies served as a "warning" to American politicians and thwarted the plans of "foreign enemies" attempting to destabilize Iran through domestic mercenaries. These pro-government gatherings were a direct response to a wave of widespread anti-government protests that erupted on December 28, 2025. Initially fueled by a severe economic crisis, including a collapsing currency and surging prices, these protests quickly escalated into broad calls for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic, making them the most serious challenge to the regime since the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests. The anti-regime demonstrations have spread across all 31 provinces, leading to a violent crackdown by authorities. Rights groups have reported dozens to hundreds killed and thousands detained, with some unverified estimates suggesting even higher casualties. The government has also imposed internet blackouts to obscure the scale of the unrest and its response. The related article contextually highlights the ongoing tension with the US, aligning with Khamenei's warnings amid President Trump's threats of intervention.