Iran has issued threats of immediate retaliatory strikes against the US if President Donald Trump intervenes in the ongoing protests. Reports indicate that more than 500 individuals have been killed and 10,000 detained, leading to chaotic situations in Tehran and various cities throughout Iran.
Amid considerations by Trump to support the protesters, Iranian officials have declared the US as a viable target. Opposition groups in the UK revealed to the Mirror distressing accounts of police violence against protesters and highlighted instances of courage, such as elderly individuals confronting armed forces by making noise.
Residents recounted intense confrontations, including police firing at civilians and overwhelming hospital scenes with casualties. Despite internet restrictions, protesters managed to communicate with the outside world using Starlink technology.
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, cautioned that the US and Israel could face repercussions if they strike Iran. President Masoud Pezeshkian blamed the US and Israel for instigating the unrest, alleging external collaboration in igniting violence within the country.
The police chief of Iran, Ahmad-Reza Radan, emphasized a heightened crackdown on protesters, resulting in significant arrests. He attributed a portion of the fatalities to organized individuals rather than security forces.
Trump expressed readiness to assist the Iranian people in achieving freedom, prompting further tensions with Iranian politicians. Activists reported numerous casualties and arrests, with a focus on the use of lethal force against protesters.
Despite challenges, protesters persisted, with verified videos depicting the intensity of the demonstrations and the calls for regime change. Human rights organizations highlighted the severity of the situation, with a substantial number of fatalities attributed to gunfire.
Exiled figures like Reza Pahlavi voiced support for the protesters, urging continued resistance against the regime. Pahlavi emphasized solidarity and caution for protesters to safeguard their lives.
As the situation escalates, the international community closely monitors the developments in Iran, with concerns over the escalating violence and human rights violations.