Officials in Iran have acknowledged that over 2,000 individuals have lost their lives in the recent wave of protests in the country. The death toll surged dramatically overnight with reports of violent incidents such as summary executions on the streets, troops firing at crowds, and individuals being fatally assaulted with police rifle butts.
State TV reported that Iranian security forces apprehended armed groups with explosives allegedly linked to Israel in Zahedan, but this information remains unconfirmed. Following a communication blackout imposed by authorities during the crackdown on nationwide protests, Iranians were able to make phone calls abroad again today.
The Daily Mirror disclosed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had covertly brought Iraqi militia members into Iran to reinforce the efforts against the protests. Although officials claim the unidentified individuals entering Iran had ties to Israel, no concrete evidence has been presented.
According to the Daily Mirror, approximately 1,000 Iraqi Popular Mobilisation Units loyal to the Iranian government were smuggled across the border to support the law enforcement agencies and the IRGC in quelling the demonstrations. The death toll reportedly includes more than 100 security personnel.
One victim, a young boy named Amir, was reportedly shot and then beaten with rifle butts until his death by the police. Witnesses described a heavy security presence in central Tehran, with reports of government buildings being set on fire, ATMs being vandalized, and minimal pedestrian activity. Despite the turmoil, local shop owners claimed they were instructed by the police to resume business operations.
Residents are apprehensive about the future course of events, including the potential for strikes, following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump hinting at military intervention. Concerned individuals in Tehran expressed skepticism about foreign intervention and expressed a desire to continue the protests despite feelings of despair.
Riot police, equipped with various gear including batons, shields, shotguns, and tear gas launchers, were observed patrolling major intersections in the city. Additionally, members of the Basij force, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, were seen armed with firearms and batons. Plainclothes security officials were also visible in public areas.
Several financial institutions and government buildings were set ablaze during the unrest, causing disruptions in banking services due to internet outages. However, retail shops remained open with limited customer traffic in Tehran. The reopening of Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, the epicenter of the protests, was anticipated for the following day.
Reports indicated that security personnel were conducting searches for Starlink terminals, with residents in northern Tehran witnessing raids on residential buildings with satellite dishes. Despite regulations against satellite television dishes, many households in the capital continued to possess them without significant enforcement of the ban in recent times.
In a televised statement, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei commended the large turnout at pro-government demonstrations nationwide, viewing it as a message to American politicians to cease provocative actions. Chants of “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” were heard during the rallies, with severe consequences announced for protesters by Iran’s attorney general.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi disclosed ongoing communications with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, highlighting existing dialogues both preceding and following the protests. Despite contrasting public statements, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the administration’s openness to communication while reiterating the potential for military action if deemed necessary by President Trump.
President Trump declared the imposition of 25% tariffs on countries engaging with Iran, effective immediately, as a response to the crackdown on protests. This move reflects Trump’s strategy of leveraging tariffs to influence global partners and adversaries in alignment with his policies.
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