Background on Key Figures and Context
The recent protests in Iran have been described as one of the most significant challenges to the country’s teocratic authorities since 1979. These demonstrations began two weeks ago, initiated by merchants discontented with the economic crisis in Iran. The protests have continued despite a two-day internet blackout imposed by authorities, raising concerns about brutal repression.
Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, has been vocal about the situation in Iran. He stated that Iran is “looking towards freedom, perhaps like never before,” and that the US is “ready to help.” This comes a day after Trump claimed Iran was in “serious trouble” and reiterated the possibility of ordering military attacks.
Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate, warned about the potential for a “massacre” under the cover of a generalized communication blackout. Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed Europe’s support for Iranians demanding freedom and denounced the violent repression of protests.
Protest Details and Government Response
The protests, which started on December 28, have resulted in at least 51 deaths, including nine children, and hundreds of injuries, according to Iran Human Rights. Images circulating on social media reportedly show deceased protesters piled up in a Tehran hospital.
Amnesty International is analyzing evidence suggesting an escalation in repression over the past few days. Despite the internet blackout, protests persisted in Tehran and other cities on Friday night, with demonstrators chanting “Death to Khamenei!” and cars honking in support.
Similar protests were reported in other Tehran districts, Mashhad, Tabriz, and Qom, as well as in Hamedán, where a man flew an iranian flag from the Shah’s era amidst bonfires and dancing, according to images shared on social media.
Reza Pahlavi, the son of the deposed Shah and a resident of the US, urged Iranians to organize more focused protests over the weekend and “take and hold urban centers.” He also mentioned preparations to return to Iran soon.
Government and Leadership Responses
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, condemned protesters as “vandals” and accused the US of instigating them. Ali Larijani, one of Khamenei’s advisors and head of Iran’s top security body, denounced “orchestrated incidents from abroad.”
State television aired footage of the funerals for security force members killed during protests, with notable attendance in Shiraz. In London, a demonstrator briefly replaced the Iranian Republic’s flag outside the Iranian embassy with that of the former monarchy, during a support rally for the protest movement attended by hundreds.
Current Situation and International Impact
Iran has not faced a protest movement of this magnitude since 2022’s demonstrations following Mahsa Amini’s death after her arrest for allegedly violating the female dress code. These protests occur as Iran grapples with weakened status following conflicts with Israel and setbacks for regional allies, alongside the UN’s September reinstatement of sanctions related to Iran’s nuclear program.
