According to Iranian state television, three security forces were killed during overnight clashes in and around the city of Shiraz. The protests that have broken out on the streets of Tehran and other cities are a reaction to the growing repression of the authorities. In media reports, demonstrators were accused of “attacking public property” and destroying mosques.
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In turn, recordings shared on social media show crowds chanting anti-regime slogans in the country's capital, despite the authorities' warnings about the lack of any tolerance for riots.
The internet blockade that has cut off Iran from the rest of the world is now in its third day. The army's statement included accusations against “hostile terrorist groups” of trying to destabilize the country. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch report that as of January 3, at least 28 protesters had died as a result of the crackdown. In turn, the Information Agency of Human Rights Activists, operating outside Iran, reported that the death toll was 65 people, including 14 members of the security forces.
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State television reports that there were clashes in Tehran on Thursday with the participation of security services and… Two policemen were killed in the city of Qom. In northeastern Esfarayen, a local prosecutor and a member of the security forces lost their lives. In turn, in the city of Shushtar, members of the Basij, a volunteer unit affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, were killed.
The Iranian authorities calm down and accuse
A spokesman for the Iranian police told the media that the situation in the cities had been brought under control and “calm” had returned to the streets. At the same time, Press TV reported that authorities introduced strict rules on public gatherings, warning that any attempts to disrupt order would be vigorously suppressed.
In a speech on Thursday, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused protesters of acting to the advantage of US President Donald Trump's administration. He emphasized that his government did not intend to give in to pressure. Khamenei also accused the United States and Israel of fueling internal unrest in the country.
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President Donald Trump referred to the situation in Iran, warning the authorities there against using force against demonstrators. “Iran is on the brink. Humans are taking control of cities” — Trump said on Friday. “If you start shooting, we will respond as well“- he added.
Iran's economic problems fuel protests
The protests, as the Financial Times reminds, began in December when shop owners in Tehran closed their premises in protest against rising prices. Economic dissatisfaction quickly turned into nationwide anti-regime demonstrations that spread to both large cities and smaller towns.
President Masud Pezeshkian, who took office 18 months ago, introduced economic reforms aimed at improving the economic situation. He also met with business leaders to discuss their concerns and appointed a new central bank governor. However, despite these actions, the protests intensified, and the streets of Tehran and other cities were filled with crowds of demonstrators.
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“This is uncharted territory for the Islamic Republic,” said Ellie Geranmayeh of the European Council on Foreign Relations. In her opinion, the Iranian authorities are facing pressure from below, which includes segments of society previously loyal to the regime. “There are no simple answers to this situation, especially as pressure from the US and Israel increases,” she added.
