Nationwide protests in Iran have entered their second week, with demonstrators taking to the streets in both Tehran and Mashhad. As the unrest continues, at least 116 people have reportedly lost their lives, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency. This organization, based in the United States, relies on a network of contacts within Iran, making it difficult to verify information due to an ongoing internet blackout and disrupted phone lines.
The situation has escalated significantly, prompting Iranian leaders to issue stern threats against what they label as provocateurs backed by the United States and Israel. In response to statements made by Donald Trump regarding potential U.S. intervention, Iranian officials have countered with their own warnings. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, declared that U.S. military personnel and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” if the U.S. were to strike Iran.
Qalibaf made these remarks during a parliamentary session that was broadcast live on Iranian state television, where lawmakers chanted slogans such as “Death to America.” Such rhetoric highlights how the government perceives the protests as an existential threat, leading to an increasingly aggressive stance.
The U.S. military remains prepared, asserting that it has “forces that span the full range of combat capability” in the region to protect its interests and allies. Reports suggest that military options for a potential strike on Iran have been presented to President Trump, although no final decision has been made.
As the protests unfold, the Iranian leadership has communicated a zero-tolerance policy towards dissent. Mohammad Movahedi Azad, Iran’s attorney general, warned that anyone participating in the protests could face charges of “enmity against God,” which carries the death penalty. This statement reflects the government’s determination to quell civil unrest through harsh measures.
Video footage emerging from Iran, possibly transmitted via Starlink satellite technology, depicts scenes of protestors gathering in various neighborhoods, including the Punak area of Tehran. Reports indicate that demonstrations have taken the form of scattered gatherings, adapting to the heavy presence of security forces and ongoing monitoring by drones.
In Mashhad, approximately 450 miles northeast of Tehran, protesters have confronted security personnel amid scenes of chaos, including debris blocking roads. The significance of protests in Mashhad is underscored by its association with the Imam Reza shrine, the holiest site in Shiite Islam.
The Iranian government has also utilized state-sponsored media to broadcast images of calm areas while omitting coverage of the unrest in Tehran and Mashhad. However, foreign media presence remains minimal, with only a few outlets gaining access to report on the situation.
The protests, which initially erupted on December 28, 2023, were sparked by the collapse of the Iranian rial, which now trades at over 1.4 million to $1. The demonstrations have since transformed into widespread calls for change, challenging the authority of Iran’s theocratic regime.
As the crackdown intensifies and the death toll rises, the international community watches closely, concerned that the information blackout may embolden hard-liners within Iran’s security apparatus. The potential for a violent response looms large as both protesters and government officials prepare for further confrontation.
