Mosque Arson During Iran Protests: State Claims vs. Skepticism
Multiple mosques in Iran were reportedly burned during widespread anti-government protests in early January 2026, according to Iranian state media and officials. The unrest, sparked by economic grievances and anger over the collapse of the national currency, escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani stated that over 61 mosques were torched in the capital alone, with additional attacks reported in cities like Isfahan, Karaj, and Gilan. State broadcaster IRIB and other official outlets circulated CCTV footage showing the Abuzar Mosque in Tehran being vandalized and set on fire, alongside images of charred Qurans, framing the acts as terrorism targeting Islam itself.
I’ve heard that something like 2/3rds of them were not used as mosques because they were empty. The people left them for Jesus it would seem and why they burned them down
According to Iranians inside Iran, many of the mosques that were attacked were being used as IRGC, Security, and Basij bases. The Iranians in the areas would know which ones to hit. Yes, many were empty because the numbers of actual practicing Muslims has dramatically decreased in the country. Mostly among the youth. In fact, the numbers of Muslims in the ME is decreasing. It seems like the only places that are seeing increases sadly is in the West.
Christians cannot outwardly worship in Iran. That could get you arrested and killed for being an infidel/apostate. So even using an empty mosque would be very dangerous. Most Christians meet privately either in homes or very small venues. I know many Christian Iranians that fled the country. They won't even allow their images to be shared on social media here in the US because it could endanger family still stuck in Iran.
Building them here, burning them there.
Mosque Arson During Iran Protests: State Claims vs. Skepticism Multiple mosques in Iran were reportedly burned during widespread anti-government protests in early January 2026, according to Iranian state media and officials. The unrest, sparked by economic grievances and anger over the collapse of the national currency, escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani stated that over 61 mosques were torched in the capital alone, with additional attacks reported in cities like Isfahan, Karaj, and Gilan. State broadcaster IRIB and other official outlets circulated CCTV footage showing the Abuzar Mosque in Tehran being vandalized and set on fire, alongside images of charred Qurans, framing the acts as terrorism targeting Islam itself.
If official Iranian sources are claiming that many mosques were torched, the actual numbers are much higher.
I’ve heard that something like 2/3rds of them were not used as mosques because they were empty. The people left them for Jesus it would seem and why they burned them down
According to Iranians inside Iran, many of the mosques that were attacked were being used as IRGC, Security, and Basij bases. The Iranians in the areas would know which ones to hit. Yes, many were empty because the numbers of actual practicing Muslims has dramatically decreased in the country. Mostly among the youth. In fact, the numbers of Muslims in the ME is decreasing. It seems like the only places that are seeing increases sadly is in the West.
Christians cannot outwardly worship in Iran. That could get you arrested and killed for being an infidel/apostate. So even using an empty mosque would be very dangerous. Most Christians meet privately either in homes or very small venues. I know many Christian Iranians that fled the country. They won't even allow their images to be shared on social media here in the US because it could endanger family still stuck in Iran.
I watch Tousi TV on YouTube so I am aware of this and thanks for saying it better than I could.
Here’s a question…
If Islam is wrong for burning down churches, how exactly are we supposed to look at burning down mosques as good?
In Iran specifically, maybe it could be looked at as a counterinsurgency war?
Or is it a reflection of their violations back onto them? Wouldn’t that be “two wrongs don’t make a right”?
u/mac1221
The Justice phase is tricky.
Corn/4pog Vandals i would say ,we set the narrative we're everywhere,coming to a state near you SOON.