Nationwide protests challenging Iran’s theocracy have continued for two weeks, with activists reporting at least 116 people killed in the violence surrounding the demonstrations. The internet blackout in Iran and severed phone lines have made it challenging to assess the situation from abroad, but the death toll in the protests has risen to over 116 individuals, with more than 2,600 others detained, as per the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
Despite Iranian state TV reporting security force casualties to showcase control over the nation, there is no mention of the deceased demonstrators, who are increasingly labeled as “terrorists.” Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has indicated an impending crackdown, disregarding warnings from the U.S. government. Tehran heightened its threats by declaring that participation in protests would be deemed an “enemy of God” offense, punishable by death.
President Donald Trump expressed solidarity with the protesters, emphasizing that Iran is yearning for freedom like never before and offering U.S. assistance. The U.S. State Department issued a stern warning not to underestimate President Trump’s resolve when he commits to action.
In response to the escalating tensions, Iran’s parliament speaker cautioned that the U.S. military and Israel could become “legitimate targets” if the U.S. launches an attack on the Islamic Republic. Meanwhile, global leaders, including Canada’s foreign affairs minister, Anita Anand, acknowledged the courage of the Iranian people in standing up for their rights to peaceful protest and condemned the violence perpetrated by the Iranian regime.
Conflicting reports emerged regarding the state of affairs, with state TV portraying a sense of normalcy in the country, while online videos revealed ongoing protests in various cities. Iranian authorities detained individuals linked to alleged “operational terrorist teams,” and reports of casualties among security forces and protesters surfaced from different regions.
As the protests persist, concerns mount over a potential violent crackdown by Iranian security forces, reminiscent of past demonstrations. Ali Rahmani, son of imprisoned Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi, expressed apprehension about the regime’s response, citing previous deadly crackdowns on dissenters.