Iran faces its most violent unrest in years as protests over economic hardship evolve into a nationwide challenge to the political system. Conflicting death tolls, internet shutdowns, and global pressure highlight a deepening crisis with regional and global implications.
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Tehran: Iran is currently facing its most serious unrest in many years. Initially, the protests were against inflation, unemployment, and the rising cost of everyday necessities.
The lives of ordinary citizens were becoming increasingly difficult, leading to public anger erupting onto the streets. However, the movement quickly expanded beyond just economic issues.
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Gradually, these demonstrations transformed into widespread protests against Iran's current political and religious system. Questions began to be raised about the theocratic system established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
For the government, this was no longer just a law and order issue but a direct challenge to its authority.
According to human rights organizations, the crackdown on protesters has been extremely violent. The Norway-based organization Iran Human Rights says it has confirmed the deaths of at least 192 protesters, but the actual number could be much higher.
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Some unconfirmed reports put the death toll at hundreds, or even over 2,000. Human rights activists in Iran claim that at least 420 people have died in the past two weeks, including children.
The government shut down the internet across the country for several days to prevent information from getting out. Despite this, some videos have emerged showing numerous bodies outside a morgue near Tehran. Family members were seen identifying their loved ones.
Human rights groups say that the government figures are concealing the truth.
In several major cities, including Tehran, shops are closed, heavy security forces are deployed on the streets, and daily life has come to a near standstill. Inflation continues to rise, especially the prices of food and other essential goods, further fueling public anger.
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Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi has appealed to protesters to take to the streets and urged security forces to side with the people. On the other hand, the Iranian leadership has accused foreign powers of orchestrating the entire movement. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that enemy countries are exploiting the situation.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appealed to Iran to exercise restraint, respect civil liberties, and restore communication services. The United States has warned against further violence, while Israel has expressed support for the protesters. Experts believe that if the situation deteriorates further and strikes disrupt oil supplies, it could impact the global economy.
