Day 24 Of Iran Uprising: UN To Hold Emergency Session, MPs Attack Pezeshkian – OpEd
The nationwide uprising against the religious dictatorship in Iran has reached its twenty-fourth day on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. On Day 24, while the internet blackout continues to isolate the nation, the international community is mobilizing for an emergency session at the UN, and internal infighting among regime officials has reached a boiling point.
Day 24 Roundup: UN schedules emergency session, Pezeshkian under fire, and clashes in Tehran and Kerman
On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the twenty-fourth day of the uprising, the regime’s desperate attempts to stifle the protests through censorship and brutality were met with continued resistance in the streets and growing condemnation abroad.
Key highlights from today include:
- Field Reports: Intense hit-and-run clashes were reported in Tehran’s Valiasr Street and Kermanshah. In Kerman, the regime is reportedly using the Afghan Fatemiyoun division to suppress protesters.
- UN Emergency Session: The UN Human Rights Council will hold a special session on Friday to address the “alarming violence” in Iran.
- Regime Infighting: MPs launched scathing attacks on the regime’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, telling him to resign because he is “not the man for this field” during these “war conditions.”
- Internet Blackout & Economic Ruin: The digital blockade has surpassed 280 hours. The CEO of Irancell was reportedly fired for hesitating to implement the blackout, while small businesses have suffered losses amounting to 50 trillion rials.
- Crimes Against Humanity: The UN Special Rapporteur stated that the regime’s crackdown and mass killings could amount to crimes against humanity.
Field Reports: Clashes in Tehran and Kermanshah; Fatemiyoun Brigade deployed
Despite the blackout, reports from the PMOI network inside Iran confirm that the flame of resistance is burning bright.
- Tehran: On the night of January 18, Valiasr Street witnessed hit-and-run battles between rebellious youth and suppressive forces. The chants of “Death to Khamenei” echoed through the area for hours.
- Sa’adat Abad (Tehran): Newly released footage from Thursday shows the intensity of the resistance. A citizen reporting live from the scene counted four security vehicles set on fire by the people, stating that the youth, though empty-handed, charged at the armed mercenaries.
- Kermanshah: Continuous clashes and sounds of conflict were reported from the Taq-e Bostan area on Sunday night.
- Kerman: Reports indicate the regime has deployed the “Fatemiyoun” division—foreign proxy militia forces composed of Afghan nationals—to kill protesters, indicating a shortage of reliable local forces.
- Shiraz: Hospitals are under a “war-like” security siege. Security forces are present in medical centers, forcing injured protesters to fill out forms that serve as intelligence gathering tools before receiving treatment.
UN Human Rights Council to hold emergency session on Iran
As the uprising enters its fourth week, the international community is finally moving to address the massacre. The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to hold an emergency session on Friday, January 23, regarding the situation in Iran.
UN Watch welcomed the session but criticized the delay, noting that every hour lost emboldens the regime. The organization is demanding an independent investigation and the expulsion of the regime’s diplomats.
Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, stated today that the deaths could amount to “crimes against humanity,” citing evidence of widespread, systematic violations including murder and torture.
Internet blackout persists: Irancell CEO fired, 50 trillion rials in economic loss
The regime’s fear of the organized resistance is evident in its continued digital blockade. The internet blackout has now passed 280 hours.
State media reported that there are no plans to lift the restrictions. In a sign of the regime’s panic, Alireza Rafiei, the CEO of Irancell (Iran’s second-largest mobile operator), was fired. Reports indicate he was removed for not immediately executing the government’s order to cut off the internet on January 8.
The economic toll is staggering. State-run media admit that in the last 10 days alone, small and medium-sized businesses have lost over 50 trillion rials. Instagram-based shops alone are losing 1.1 trillion rials daily.
Regime in chaos: MPs demand Pezeshkian’s resignation citing “war conditions”
The uprising has caused deep fractures within the ruling hierarchy. Despite Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s support for President Masoud Pezeshkian, members of the regime’s parliament (Majlis) are openly attacking him. MP Abolfazl Abutorabi addressed Pezeshkian, saying, “Mr. President, you are not the man for this field; these are war conditions and you are incapable of running the country. Accept responsibility for recent events and resign.”
Meanwhile, MP Hamid Rasaei labeled the president as “ignorant and inexperienced.”