Anti-Government Protests Continue Across Iran Amidst Security Crackdown and Widespread Internet Blackout

Anti-government protests across Iran have continued for approximately three weeks, initially sparked by economic concerns and expanding to include calls for an end to clerical rule. The demonstrations have been met with an intensified security crackdown, widespread internet outages, and significant casualties reported by human rights organizations. The situation has drawn international condemnation and comments from global leaders, while Iranian officials accuse foreign entities of interference.

Protest Overview and Demands

The protests began on December 28, initially driven by economic concerns such as rising inflation and the collapse of the Iranian rial currency. The movement has since expanded to over 100 cities and towns nationwide, with calls evolving to include demands for an end to clerical rule and, in some instances, the restoration of the monarchy. Protesters have reportedly chanted slogans such as "Death to the dictator" and "Long live the shah."

Eyewitness accounts describe hundreds of protesters, ranging in age from children to seniors, participating in demonstrations. In some areas, protesters reportedly blocked streets with traffic signs and metal sheets. Damages observed include overturned and burning cars, and incidents of buildings being set ablaze, such as a state television branch in Isfahan and a bus in Mashhad. Tehran's mayor reported that over 42 buses, public vehicles, ambulances, and 10 public buildings were damaged or set alight in the capital.

Government Response and Security Measures

Iranian authorities have intensified security measures in response to the protests. Security forces have reportedly used tear gas, birdshot, and live ammunition against crowds, with evidence from the BBC indicating firearms were discharged directly at protesters in some instances. Initially, security forces in Tehran reportedly showed restraint, avoiding direct confrontations, in contrast to more violent responses reported in smaller cities and provinces.

Official statements regarding the protests include:

• Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei characterized anti-government protesters as "troublemakers," "vandals," and "saboteurs." He stated the Islamic Republic would "not back down" and would not cease actions against what he termed "destructive elements," also claiming the protesters' actions aimed "to please the president of the US."
• Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad stated that protesters could be considered an "enemy of God," an offense carrying the death penalty, and warned that proceedings would be conducted "without leniency."
• Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei indicated that swift trials and executions for those detained in the protests could proceed.
• The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed to safeguard the government and sent text messages advising citizens to avoid protest gatherings and warning against cooperation with "terrorist mercenaries," classifying such actions as treason.
• Iranian state TV broadcast images of thousands participating in counter-protests supporting the authorities.

Human rights organizations have reported mass arrests. Figures from US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) include over 2,277 to 18,470 detentions.

Casualties and Hospital Reports

Human rights groups have reported varying figures for fatalities among both protesters and security personnel:

• HRANA reported between 50 and 2,453 protester deaths, 14 to 156 security personnel deaths, 14 children killed, and 14 uninvolved civilians killed.
• Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO/IHR) reported at least 45 to 51 protester deaths, including nine children.
• Germany-based Hengaw (Kurdish Iranian human rights group) and HRANA reported over 40 fatalities.
• US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran reported at least 72 people killed and over 2,300 detained.
• BBC Persian's verification team identified at least 21 to 22 victims through family contacts and interviews.
• An opposition TV network claimed a higher death toll of up to 12,000.
• At least four security forces have been reported killed by some sources.
• One detainee, Erfan Soltani, was reportedly set for execution.

Hospitals have reportedly faced significant strain:

• Farabi Hospital, Tehran's primary eye specialist center, was described as having overwhelmed emergency services, suspending 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 hospitals receiving many injured protesters, some with severe wounds from beatings, and at least 20 shot with live ammunition, resulting in five deaths.

Internet Blackout

A near-total internet blackout has been implemented across Iran, reportedly since a Thursday evening, and has persisted for over 132 hours, with some reports indicating it is in its third week. An internet researcher described the current shutdown as "almost completely down" and more severe than previous instances. Limited traffic reportedly resumed on some occasions. The blackout has significantly restricted the flow of information, making verification difficult for international news organizations. Starlink was identified as a potential, though risky, connection method. The director of IHRNGO expressed concern regarding increased governmental force and a serious risk of heightened violence after the internet shutdown, and Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi cautioned about a potential "massacre" during the outage.

International Reactions and Diplomatic Engagements

The international community has expressed concern and issued statements regarding the situation:

• UN Secretary General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed concern over the loss of life and emphasized the right to peaceful demonstration.
• US President Donald Trump stated that the US "stands ready to help" the movement and warned of "very strong action" if Iranian authorities killed protesters. He had previously warned Iran not to "start shooting because we'll start shooting too." US media reported that Trump had received preliminary briefings on military strike options for Iran, though officials noted no "imminent threat." He later stated he was informed that killings in Iran's crackdown were subsiding and believed there was no plan for large-scale executions. US Senator Lindsey Graham expressed support, stating "Help is on the way." The US is reportedly withdrawing some personnel from military bases in the Middle East following a warning from a senior Iranian official that Tehran would strike US bases in neighboring countries if Washington initiated an attack. Direct communications between Iran's Foreign Minister and the US Special Envoy have been suspended following Trump's threats.
• 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. German flag carrier Lufthansa canceled flights to Israel.
• European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen urged restraint from Iranian authorities, stating Europe backed the protests and condemned "violent repression."
• French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the crackdown, labeling it potentially "the most violent repression in Iran's contemporary history."
• 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.
• Iran's UN ambassador, in a letter to the UN Security Council, accused the US of interfering in its internal affairs and inciting instability.
• A senior Iranian official stated that Tehran informed regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Turkey, that US bases within their borders would be attacked if the US targeted Iran. Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stressed the need for talks and noted contact with US officials. Austrian Airlines and Turkish Airlines have suspended flights to Iran.

Exiled Opposition Figures

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last Shah, has encouraged ongoing protests and called for international assistance to support protesters. He expressed confidence that "the Islamic Republic will fall," suggesting "surgical" strikes against Iran's Revolutionary Guards to "facilitate our task and prevent more loss of life." Pahlavi claimed some security forces were disobeying orders or declining to participate in the crackdown, and asserted that foreign militias were deployed by Iranian authorities. He pledged to return to Iran, outlining a plan for an orderly transition to a secular democracy, envisioning himself as a figurehead, but stating that the future leadership is "for the Iranian people to decide." Pahlavi described the cleric-run state as an "occupying force" responsible for "mass crimes" and supported Israel's military campaign on Iran in June.