Post by : Bianca
Haleem
The ongoing protests in Iran have turned deadly, claiming at least 35 lives as reported by activist organizations amidst ongoing demonstrations and security crackdowns.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency based in the U.S., over 1,200 individuals have been apprehended, with the protests now stretching into their second week. Of those deceased, 29 were protesters, including four children, along with two members of the security forces. The protests have been recorded in more than 250 areas across 27 out of Iran's 31 provinces, demonstrating the widespread upheaval.
This agency relies on its network of local activists to provide reliable updates, having previously done so in earlier waves of unrest. Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported injuries among security personnel. The semiofficial Fars news agency indicated that approximately 250 police officers and 45 members of the Basij volunteer force suffered injuries during confrontations with demonstrators.
The situation has drawn international attention, with U.S. President Donald Trump stating last week that the U.S. would respond to any violent actions against peaceful protesters. Iranian officials reacted strongly, threatening American forces within the region, especially following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, a known ally of Iran.
This wave of protests is being described as the most significant since the demonstrations triggered by Mahsa Amini's death in police custody last year. Though the current protests have yet to match the scale of those, they signal underlying public discontent aggravated by severe economic conditions and political dissatisfaction.
Iran's economy has faced mounting pressures from stringent sanctions and recent conflicts. The national currency experienced a sharp decline in December, plummeting to nearly 1.4 million tomans per U.S. dollar, prompting protests due to increasing living costs and dire conditions.
Assessing the full extent of these protests is challenging, as state media offers limited reports, and journalists are subject to strict movement and reporting controls. Much of the information circulating comes from brief social media clips revealing crowds chanting and gunfire in the distance.
Despite increased security measures and stern warnings from Iranian officials, protests persist, highlighting a relentless public anger and an unpredictable situation on the ground.
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