21 Jan, 2026
Protests in Iran: Possible U.S. Responses and Issues for Congress [Updated January 21, 2026]
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
From the document: "The outbreak of nationwide protests in Iran in late December 2025 prompted a government crackdown that appears to have quelled the unrest, at least temporarily, but questions about the stability of Iran's authoritarian government persist. President Donald Trump said in early January he was considering intervening to 'rescue' protestors. As the situation evolves, Congress could consider for example: authorizing or restricting U.S. military action; overseeing potential Administration negotiations with Iran and reviewing any resulting agreement, including on Iran's nuclear program; sanctions; and foreign assistance aimed at expanding internet access in Iran. Congress also could assess the potential effects (positive or negative) of outside intervention."
    Details
  • URL
  • Author
    Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
  • Publisher
    Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
  • Report Number
    CRS In Focus, IF13153
  • Date
    21 Jan, 2026
  • Copyright
    Public Domain
  • Retrieved From
    Congressional Research Service: crsreports.congress.gov/
  • Format
    pdf
  • Media Type
    application/pdf
  • Subjects
    Protest movements
    Iran
    Relations with Iran
    Political stability
    Intervention (International Law)
  • Resource Group
    Reports (CRS)
  • List
    Iran
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