In a serious challenge to Iran’s authoritarian government, angry protests have spread from the markets and universities of major cities to the impoverished towns in the hinterland.

Saeed Laylaz, an economist and adviser to former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, spoke to Euronews about Iran, from the country's economic situation to the downfall of Nicolás Maduro, one of Tehran's most important allies,

Tens of thousands are protesting across Iran, but history suggests caution. The key question is how outside support can help without doing harm.

Tehran and Caracas have maintained close ties with each other, notably to circumvent the sanctions against both countries. Iran, which has also come under threat from Washington, has projected a facade of optimism.

A viral video shared by Masih Alinejad of an elderly woman defying Iran's rulers has become a symbol of nationwide protests driven by economic hardship and growing anger at the Islamic Republic.

Iran has seized a foreign oil tanker while it was transiting the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, with authorities claiming the vessel was carrying a large consignment of smuggled fuel. According to Iran’s official IRNA news agency,

A former Afghan police commander and outspoken Taliban opponent was shot dead in the heart of Iran’s capital last week, prompting sharp criticism from Afghan political figures and opposition groups, who have pointed the finger at the Taliban’s intelligence apparatus.

Political analyst Hamzeh Safavi, whose father is an adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, discusses the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the US on January 3 in Caracas, and its impact on the Islamic Republic.