The streets of Iran are ablaze with protest, marking nearly two weeks of unrest as the government intensifies its crackdown. The situation is rapidly evolving, with the government facing widespread demonstrations and the outside world struggling to understand what's happening. The internet and phone lines have been cut, making it incredibly difficult to get an accurate picture of the events on the ground. But here's what we know so far.
Reports indicate the death toll has tragically risen to at least 65 people, with over 2,300 detained, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The Iranian state media, however, presents a different narrative, focusing on casualties among security forces while portraying control over the nation.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signaled a firm response, despite warnings from the U.S. The Iranian government is escalating its threats, with the Attorney General, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, warning that those participating in protests will be considered “enemies of God,” a charge punishable by death. This statement extends to those who “helped rioters,” signaling a harsh stance against any form of dissent. The government's message is clear: there will be no leniency.
In response, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed support for the Iranian protesters. The U.S. State Department issued a warning, emphasizing that the U.S. means what it says.
Saturday marked the start of the work week in Iran, but many schools and universities reportedly held online classes, according to Iranian state TV.
State TV has repeatedly played a driving, martial orchestral arrangement from the “Epic of Khorramshahr” by Iranian composer Majid Entezami, while showing pro-government demonstrations. This song, which was also used during the 12-day war launched by Israel, honors Iran's 1982 liberation of the city of Khorramshahr during the Iran-Iraq war. Interestingly, it has also been used in videos of protesting women cutting away their hair to protest the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini.
State TV reports that peace prevailed in most cities at night, directly contradicting verified online videos showing large demonstrations in Tehran.
The Fars news agency, believed to be close to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, released surveillance camera footage of what it said came from demonstrations in Isfahan. The footage showed a protester firing a long gun, with others setting fires and throwing gasoline bombs.
The Young Journalists' Club reported that protesters killed three members of the Guard’s Basij force and a security official. The semiofficial Tasnim news agency claimed authorities detained nearly 200 people, alleging they were part of “operational terrorist teams” and possessed weapons.
Iran's theocracy cut off the nation from the internet and international telephone calls, though some state-owned and semiofficial media are still publishing.
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has urged demonstrators to continue protesting, encouraging them to use the old lion-and-sun flag and other national symbols. But here's where it gets controversial... Pahlavi's support, and support from Israel, has drawn criticism. It's important to consider whether the demonstrators are supporting Pahlavi himself or expressing a desire for a return to the pre-1979 Islamic Revolution era.
The protests began on December 28, sparked by the collapse of the Iranian rial currency. The economic hardship, compounded by international sanctions, has fueled the demonstrations, which have evolved into direct challenges to the country's theocracy. Airline cancellations, such as those by Austrian Airlines and Turkish Airlines, reflect the instability.
What do you think? Do you believe the international community should intervene? Or is this an internal matter for Iran to resolve? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
