The protests, which began in late December, were initially a reaction to economic problems, such as inflation exceeding 50 percent. and the falling value of the rial. However, they quickly turned into the biggest uprising against the Iranian regime in years, covering all 31 provinces of the country. Demonstrations on the streets of Tehran and other cities have become anti-government, with protesters demanding not only an improvement in the economic situation, but also systemic political changes.
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Repression and Internet blockade
In response to the escalation of protests, Iranian authorities used brutal measures to suppress demonstrations, including mass arrests and internet blockade. Organizations monitoring the situation, such as Iran Human Rights in Oslo, have confirmed the deaths of at least 192 people, although they warn that the actual number of victims may be much higher. In turn, Iran International, citing witnesses, reports that approximately 2,000 people have been killed in the last two days. people, and security forces use live ammunition against demonstrators.
Iran's prosecutor general has warned that protesters could be considered “enemies of God”, which could result in the death penalty. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, described the protesters as “vandals”, accusing them of acting under foreign influence. President Masoud Pezeszkian added that the protests are inspired by the US and Israel, which aim to “sow chaos” in the country.
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Foreign reactions and potential escalations
The Iranian authorities clearly point to the United States and Israel as the alleged instigators of the riots. The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammed Bager Kalibaf, said that US military bases in the Middle East and Israel could become targets of attacks if the US decides to intervene. Calibaf accused President Donald Trump of waging a “terrorist war” against Iran, warning him against “miscalculations.”
Trump himself has warned the Iranian authorities several times in recent days against using violence against protesters. On the Truth Social platform he wrote: “Iran is looking towards freedom, perhaps like never before. The US is ready to help!” According to reports from the New York Times, the US president is considering various military options, including attacks on facilities in Tehran, although a decision on this matter has not been made yet.
The US State Department expressed concern about reports of the involvement of Hezbollah fighters and Iraqi militias in suppressing protests in Iran. According to Fox News, approximately 850 such fighters have already entered the country to support the forces of the Iranian regime.
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Appeal from the Polish authorities and suspension of flights to Iran
Due to the escalation of the situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland called on Poles to leave Iran immediately and avoid traveling to this country. The ministry also appeals to avoid gatherings and follow the instructions of local law enforcement services.
Several international airlines, including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways, have suspended flights to Iran. This decision is a response to growing tensions and concerns about passenger safety.
Iran at a crossroads
The protests in Iran, which broke out in the historic Grand Bazaar in Tehran, are the result of growing public dissatisfaction due to economic difficulties and repressive government policies. Despite the brutal actions of the regime, the demonstrations do not stop, and their participants are increasingly demanding not only economic reforms, but also political changes that could end the rule of the clergy. The authorities in Tehran, accusing the US and Israel of fueling the unrest, are threatening to escalate the conflict on an international scale.
