In a startling revelation, Iran's supreme leader has publicly admitted to the tragic loss of thousands of lives during the recent protests, describing some deaths as brutal and barbaric. This admission comes amidst a backdrop of intense unrest, with the US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reporting 3,090 fatalities, while some activist groups estimate the number to be significantly higher. The internet blackout has further complicated efforts to gather accurate information.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's speech on Saturday shed light on the situation, accusing the US of inciting the violence. This comes as a response to President Donald Trump's encouragement for Iranian demonstrators to continue their protests, even threatening military intervention if security forces were to harm them. The protests, which initially began over economic concerns on December 28, have now evolved into a call for the removal of Iran's supreme leader.
The Iranian government has labeled the demonstrations as 'riots' orchestrated by its adversaries. Protesters have faced deadly force, and videos of security forces opening fire on demonstrations have been verified by both BBC Persian and BBC Verify. A near-total internet shutdown and communication service disruption in Iran have further obscured the true extent of the situation, with connectivity levels remaining at a mere 2% of normal levels according to NetBlocks.
Despite the apparent calm, a woman in Shiraz, southwestern Iran, reported that security forces continue to patrol on motorbikes to maintain control. However, the overall sentiment is that things have returned to a semblance of normalcy. Khamenei's speech also included strong rhetoric against President Trump, labeling him a 'criminal' and accusing the US of seeking to dominate Iran.
The US State Department's response was swift, warning Iran of a powerful military response if it were to target American bases. President Trump, while acknowledging the cessation of killing in Iran, has not ruled out military action, following the recent reduction in personnel at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar. The situation remains tense, with both sides trading accusations and threats, leaving the international community on edge.
