Nationwide protests in Iran have entered their second week, with demonstrators filling the streets of Tehran and Mashhad, the country’s capital and second-largest city. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, the death toll has reached at least 116 people, and more than 2,600 others have been detained as the government responds to the most significant challenge to its authority in years.
The Iranian government’s ongoing internet blackout and severed phone lines are complicating external assessments of the situation. Despite these measures, reports indicate a growing number of protests, which are characterized by fluid and scattered gatherings due to the heavy presence of security forces.
Iran’s leaders are increasingly issuing stern warnings to both protesters and the United States. In a recent session of parliament broadcast live by Iranian state television, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the parliamentary speaker, asserted that the U.S. military and Israel could become “legitimate targets” if military action against Iran were to occur. This statement follows threats made by Donald Trump, who suggested a potential U.S. intervention should protesters be harmed.
Qalibaf’s warnings reflect a broader sentiment among Iranian officials. He praised the police and the Revolutionary Guard for their efforts during the protests, emphasizing that harsh measures would be taken against those arrested. “The people of Iran should know that we will deal with them in the most severe way,” Qalibaf stated.
While the Iranian government prepares for a possible crackdown, reports from the ground paint a picture of defiance. Videos shared online purportedly show protesters in northern Tehran’s Punak neighborhood, where crowds are gathering despite the oppressive security measures. Demonstrators have been observed waving their mobile phones and engaging in peaceful protests, while others have clashed with security forces, particularly in Mashhad, where the Imam Reza shrine holds significant cultural and religious importance.
The political landscape surrounding these protests is further complicated by statements from Iran’s attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad. He declared that individuals participating in the protests could be charged as “enemies of God,” which carries a potential death penalty. This severe warning indicates a willingness to escalate the government’s response to dissent.
In an increasingly tense environment, exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has called for continued protests, urging demonstrators to reclaim public spaces using national symbols from the era prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. His calls have resonated with some factions of the population, though it remains unclear whether support for the crown prince translates into a desire for a monarchy or simply a rejection of the current regime.
The protests were initially sparked by the collapse of the Iranian rial, which trades at over 1.4 million to $1, amid economic pressure from international sanctions related to Iran’s nuclear program. As the unrest continues, the Iranian government faces mounting pressure both internally and externally, with the potential for further escalation.
The international community remains watchful as both Iranian leaders and U.S. officials navigate this delicate situation. The U.S. military has stated that it is prepared to defend its interests and partners in the region, with forces positioned to respond to any threats.
As the protests evolve, the future of Iran’s theocratic regime hangs in the balance, with many citizens demanding change amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions.
