Widespread protests have continued across Iran for nearly two weeks, initially sparked by economic concerns and expanding to include demands for an end to clerical rule. The demonstrations have been met with a significant government crackdown, including a near-total internet blackout, leading to reports of numerous casualties and arrests. International organizations and leaders have expressed concern, while tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated.
Evolution of Protests and Demands
The protests, which began on December 28, have entered their second week. Initial grievances included rising inflation and the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which is trading at over 1.4 million to $US1. The movement has since expanded to include calls for the ousting of clerical authorities and an end to the Islamic Republic, with some demonstrators advocating for the restoration of the monarchy.
Protests have been reported in over 100 cities and towns nationwide, with verified videos emerging from at least 67 locations. These locations include Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, Zahedan, Isfahan, Tabriz, Kermanshah, Qom, Lorestan, Illam, and Kermanshah provinces. Chants reported during the demonstrations include "death to the dictator," "death to Khamenei," and "Long live the shah."
Government Response and Security Measures
Iranian authorities have intensified their response to the protests. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has stated that the Islamic Republic would "not back down" and would not yield to those challenging its authority. He characterized demonstrators as "vandals," "troublemakers," and "saboteurs," attributing property destruction to US President Donald Trump's stated support for them and blaming the United States for the unrest.
The government has implemented a near-total internet blackout, described as more severe than previous instances, making information difficult to verify. Internet monitoring groups Cloudfare and Netblocks reported a near-total internet blackout since Thursday evening, with limited traffic resuming on Friday. An internet researcher indicated that access in Iran is "almost completely down," persisting for over 132 hours in some reports.
Iran's Attorney General, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, stated that protesters could face charges of being an "enemy of God," an offense punishable by death, and emphasized that proceedings would be conducted "without leniency, compassion or indulgence." The Judiciary Chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, signaled that swift trials and executions for detained protesters could proceed, with one detainee, Erfan Soltani, reportedly set for execution. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed to safeguard the government, and the national security council affirmed that the judiciary and security forces would show "no compromise to saboteurs."
Security forces in Tehran initially appeared to act with restraint on Thursday night, avoiding direct confrontations in areas with large crowds. However, reports from smaller cities and provinces indicated more violent responses, including video evidence showing security forces discharging firearms directly at protesters. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch issued a joint statement alleging unlawful use of various weapons by security forces since December 28, describing it as an "entrenched state policy."
Iranian state TV has broadcast images of thousands participating in counter-protests supporting the authorities. Tehran's mayor reported that over 42 buses, public vehicles, ambulances, and 10 public buildings were damaged or set alight during the unrest. Verified videos depicted incidents such as a fire at the Young Journalists Club office in Isfahan, overturned and burning cars at Kaaj roundabout in Tehran, and a bus appearing to be on fire in Mashhad. Other reported incidents include a state television branch in Isfahan and the governor's building in Shazand being set ablaze.
Casualties, Detentions, and Healthcare Impact
Human rights groups and various sources have reported varying casualty and arrest figures amidst the ongoing unrest:
- Protester Deaths:
- The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) reported at least 50 deaths and 48 deaths, later stating 2,403 deaths.
- Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) reported at least 51 protester deaths, including nine children, and 45 deaths.
- The US-based group Human Rights Activists in Iran reported at least 72 deaths.
- Germany-based Kurdish Iranian human rights group Hengaw reported over 40 fatalities.
- BBC Persian's verification team identified at least 21 victims and confirmed identities of 22 individuals through family contacts.
- Haalvsh rights group reported security forces fired on protesters in Zahedan, causing an unspecified number of casualties.
- An opposition TV network claimed a higher death toll of up to 12,000.
- Security Personnel Deaths:
- HRANA reported 15 and 14 government-affiliated individual deaths, later reporting 147 government-affiliated individual deaths.
- At least four security forces have been killed, according to the BBC.
- Arrests:
- HRANA reported over 2,311 arrests, 2,277 arrests, and 18,434 detentions.
- The US-based group Human Rights Activists in Iran reported over 2,300 detentions.
Hospitals have reportedly faced significant pressure. A doctor stated that Farabi Hospital, Tehran's primary eye specialist center, experienced high volumes in emergency services and suspended non-urgent admissions and surgeries. A medic from a hospital in Shiraz reported an influx of injured patients, including many with gunshot injuries to the head and eyes, leading to a shortage of surgeons. A doctor in north-western Iran reported that hospitals received many injured protesters, some with severe wounds from beatings and at least 20 shot with live ammunition, leading to five deaths in that region.
International Reactions and US-Iran Tensions
International leaders and organizations have expressed concerns regarding the situation in Iran:
- United Nations: UN Secretary General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed disturbance over the loss of life and emphasized the right to peaceful demonstration.
- European Nations: French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement urging Iranian authorities to protect their population and allow freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the crackdown, labeling it potentially "the most violent repression in Iran's contemporary history." EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen urged restraint from Iranian authorities, stating Europe backed the protests and condemned "violent repression."
- United States: US President Donald Trump stated, "you better not start shooting because we'll start shooting too" and "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!" US media reported that Trump had received preliminary briefings on military strike options for Iran, though officials noted no "imminent threat." He warned of severe retaliation if Iranian authorities killed protesters. US Senator Lindsey Graham expressed support for the protests, stating "Help is on the way." Trump initially cautioned "very strong action" if the regime executed protesters, but later stated he was informed that killings in Iran's crackdown were subsiding and believed there was no plan for large-scale executions, despite ongoing high tensions.
- Russia: Russia's Foreign Ministry criticized Trump's statements as "categorically unacceptable," warning of "disastrous consequences" for the Middle East and global security, also attributing Iran's protests to Western sanctions.
- Human Rights Organizations: IHRNGO director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam expressed concern regarding increased governmental force and the serious risk of heightened violence and killings after the internet shutdown. Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi cautioned about a potential "massacre" during the internet outage.
Tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated. A senior Iranian official warned that Tehran would strike US bases in neighboring countries if Washington initiated an attack. The United States is reportedly withdrawing some personnel from military bases in the Middle East. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, described as the largest US base in the Middle East, reportedly advised some American and British personnel to evacuate; Qatar's government confirmed drawdowns from its air base as a response to current regional tensions. Iranian security and foreign ministry officials communicated with Qatari, Emirati, and Turkish counterparts, informing them that US bases within their borders would be attacked if the US targeted Iran. Direct communications between Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff have been suspended following Trump's threats. Iran's UN ambassador, in a letter to the UN Security Council, accused the US of interfering in its internal affairs and inciting instability.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah, encouraged ongoing protests and claimed some security forces were disobeying orders. He also referenced Trump's stated readiness to assist and urged Trump to prepare for intervention, asserting that rallies demonstrated how "a massive crowd forces the repressive forces to retreat."
Travel and Reporting Restrictions
The internet blackout has restricted information flow from Iran, making reporting difficult for international news organizations, many of which are prohibited from reporting within the country. Some airlines, including Austrian Airlines and Turkish Airlines, have suspended flights to Iran as a precautionary measure. German flag carrier Lufthansa also canceled flights to Israel. A resident in Shiraz reported a rush on supermarkets as people stocked up on essentials, anticipating further difficulties.