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21:52

Live Blog Closing For The Day

We are closing the live blog for now, but we'll be back again tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. Central European time.

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21:43

State Media Claims 3 Million At Pro-Regime Rally In Tehran

The Fars news agency, which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, has reported that "3 million people" took part in the government march against the protesters, which took place in the capital Tehran today.

The rallies were backed by the police and aired live on Irans state-run television channels.

Take those claims with a grain of salt, though, as Fars, along with other media outlets close to or run by the state, publishes narratives approved by the regime.

Fars claimed that "based on aerial images, the geographical area leading to Tehran's Enqelab (Revolution) Square, namely Roshandalan Bridge from the east, Keshavarz Boulevard from the north, the Navab highway from the west, and Jomhuri Street from the south, was filled with people."

Given that independent media outlets, including RFE/RL's Radio Farda, are unable to operate in Iran and most communication channels between Iranians and the outside world have been severed, it is impossible to verify the news agency's claim.

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20:38

Khamenei Says Pro-Government Rallies Are A Warning To US

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called today's pro-government rallies against the protesters a "warning" to American politicians, saying they must "stop their deception and not rely on traitorous mercenaries."

The rallies were organized by pro-government forces, supported by the police, and broadcast live on Iranian state television.

Participants chanted and raised banners criticizing the United States, Israel, and the protesters, who Iranian officials have described as "armed terrorists."

"You did a great job today and created a historic day," Khamenei said.

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18:04

Our Senior International Correspondent Ray Furlong looks at what the US options are on Iran, from limited strikes to a Maduro-like operation.

SEE ALSO:

What Are The Options, Military Or Otherwise, The US Has To Use Against Iran?

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17:57

Iranian Diplomats Banned From European Parliament

Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament, announced on X that all Iranian diplomats and other representatives of the Iranian government are now banned from entering the offices and premises of the parliament.

It cannot be business as usual," Metsola wrote. "As the brave people of Iran continue to stand up for their rights and their liberty, today I have taken the decision to ban all diplomatic staff and any other representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran from all European Parliament premises.

On January 11, Metsola called on Iranian protesters to continue their protests despite the brutal reaction of the country's security forces.

Metsola also urged EU member countries to increase their pressure on Tehran, while at the same time calling on the leaders of the Iranian regime to "change course and end the killing and repression of innocent people."

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15:57

Authorities Announce Shutdown Of Student Dormitories

The University of Tehran has issued a notice announcing the closure of all undergraduate student dormitories for at least 10 days.

According to the Tasnim news agency, which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, the closure will begin at 10 a.m. on January 22 and will continue until February 2.

According to the Tasnim report, students have been asked to vacate their dormitories as soon as possible.

Student dormitories have been one of the protesters' main hubs over the past two weeks. This latest move has reportedly been carried out in coordination with Iran's Science Ministry and the security agencies.

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15:13

Chants Against The Supreme Leader At Tehran Protester Funerals

Footage is coming out of Iran showing funerals in Tehran for those killed during the recent protests. Families of the victims can be seen chanting slogans against Iran's supreme leader, and vowing to avenge their loved ones' deaths.