Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has labeled anti-government protesters as “troublemakers” seeking to please the US president, highlighting the escalating tensions within the nation. Iran has formally accused the United States of orchestrating “violent subversive acts and widespread vandalism” by turning peaceful demonstrations into chaos, according to a letter sent to the United Nations Security Council. This situation has drawn international attention and condemnation. The protests, now in their 13th day, initially stemmed from economic grievances but have evolved into the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic in years. Calls for the end of the current regime and even the restoration of the monarchy have emerged, indicating a deep-seated discontent among a portion of the population. The human rights toll is significant, with at least 48 protesters and 14 security personnel reported dead by human rights groups, underscoring the severity of the crackdown. What is the current situation in Iran? The current situation in Iran is characterized by widespread anti-government protests that began over economic issues and have escalated into a significant challenge to the ruling regime. Security forces have responded with force, leading to casualties and arrests, while the government has accused external actors of instigating violence. President Trump has stated that Iran is “in big trouble” and that the US is closely monitoring the developments. He has also vowed to “hit them very hard” if the Iranian government resorts to killing its citizens, though he clarified that US involvement would not mean deploying ground troops. The international community, including the leaders of the UK, Germany, and France, has expressed deep concern over the violence and condemned the killing of protesters, urging Iran to uphold freedom of expression. Khamenei, in a defiant televised address, reiterated his stance that the Islamic Republic would not back down and would deal decisively with “destructive elements.” This rhetoric from the highest levels of the Iranian government suggests a firm resolve to suppress dissent. The UN spokesperson echoed the sentiment that people have a right to peaceful demonstration, and governments have a responsibility to protect this right. Iran’s UN ambassador accused the US of blatant interference in its internal affairs, citing threats and incitement as tools used to encourage instability. This diplomatic back-and-forth underscores the geopolitical dimensions of the ongoing unrest. Official figures from the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) indicate that over 2,277 individuals have been arrested since the protests began on December 28th. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) has provided a higher death toll, stating at least 51 protesters, including nine children, have been killed. BBC Persian has independently verified the identities of 22 of these individuals, highlighting the challenges of independent reporting within Iran due to media restrictions. International news organizations face significant barriers to reporting directly from the country. The Iranian security and judicial authorities have issued stern warnings, adopting a hardline stance of “no leniency” against protesters, whom they describe as “armed vandals” and “disruptors of peace and security.” These warnings include threats of “decisive and necessary legal action” and against any attacks on government or military facilities. The intelligence arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has pledged to continue its operations until the “complete defeat of the enemy’s plan,” indicating a commitment to a prolonged confrontation. Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, has called on President Trump to be prepared to intervene to support the Iranian people, reflecting a desire for external intervention among some opposition figures. Protests have been observed across various cities, with verified videos showing demonstrations in locations like Zahedan, where chants of “death to the dictator” have been heard. Reports of fires at government-affiliated buildings, such as the Young Journalists Club in Isfahan, and damaged public spaces in Tehran, paint a picture of widespread unrest. The implementation of a near-total internet blackout since Thursday evening has severely limited the flow of information from Iran, with only minor traffic returning intermittently. This blackout has raised concerns about intensified violence and potential mass killings of protesters, as warned by human rights advocates like Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam and Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi. The lack of internet access has practical consequences, preventing the functioning of ATMs and online payment systems, leading to shortages of essential goods as residents stockpile food. Mahsa Alimardani, who works for the human rights NGO Witness, expressed deep anxiety over her inability to contact her family, highlighting the personal toll of the information blackout. These protests echo the significant demonstrations that occurred in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, which resulted in a substantial number of deaths and detentions. The current wave of unrest demonstrates the persistent underlying issues within Iran, fueled by economic hardship and a desire for greater freedoms. The government’s response and the international community’s reactions continue to shape the unfolding events.
