Iranian protester endures five surgeries after being shot in Qazvin protests

A 34-year-old protester in Iran, injured during demonstrations on January 8 in the city of Qazvin, has endured five major surgeries as part of ongoing efforts to save his leg. According to reports, the protester was shot on Khayyam Street, which resulted in severe damage to the bone in his right lower leg. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence observed during the 2025–2026 nationwide protests in Iran, where security forces have been documented using live ammunition against demonstrators. The escalation of force reflects the government’s stringent measures to control widespread unrest. Key Takeaways Reports of severe injuries to protesters suggest ongoing unrest and dissatisfaction with the Iranian regime. The use of live ammunition by security forces appears consistent with increased governmental coercion against protesters. Market pricing indicates a perceived increase in instability, which could raise the odds of regime change in Iran. What to Watch Future developments in Iran’s political landscape remain critical as markets observe the regime’s stability. Key indicators include potential defections within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the scal...