Key Takeaways
- Tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators have rallied in Tehran as the Iranian regime seeks to downplay the continuing nationwide protest movement.
- The Iranian government has claimed that the situation in the country has "come under total control" despite being rocked by the largest protest movement since 2009.
- At least 648 protesters have been killed in the crackdown by Iranian security forces, according to a rights group.
- The European parliament has banned all Iranian diplomatic staff from its chambers and premises.
- The US has warned Iran that it is considering "very strong military action" against the country.
Introduction to the Protests
The Iranian regime has been facing its largest protest movement since 2009, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets to demand political reform and the downfall of the government. The protests were triggered by a sudden fall in the country’s currency, but have since escalated into a wider movement calling for change. The government has responded with force, resulting in the deaths of at least 648 protesters, according to a rights group.
Pro-Government Rallies
In an effort to downplay the protests, the Iranian regime has staged pro-government rallies across the country. Tens of thousands of regime supporters have marched in cities, including Tehran, to show their support for the government. The rallies have been broadcast on state-controlled media, with the government claiming that the situation in the country has "come under total control". However, the internet blackout that has lasted for over three days has made it difficult to verify the reports.
Government Response
The Iranian government has been quick to respond to the protests, with the foreign minister claiming that the situation in the country has "come under total control". The government has also summoned ambassadors from the UK, Italy, Germany, and France to the foreign ministry, requesting that their governments withdraw their support for the protests. The foreign minister has warned the UK to "avoid interfering in Iran’s internal affairs", threatening to evacuate Iranian personnel from the embassy in London if the UK does not comply.
International Response
The international community has been watching the situation in Iran with concern. The US has warned Iran that it is considering "very strong military action" against the country, with the president claiming that Iran has reached out to propose negotiations. The European parliament has banned all Iranian diplomatic staff from its chambers and premises, citing the regime’s human rights record. The UK has also called on the Iranian government to end its violence against protesters and uphold fundamental rights and freedoms.
Protesters’ Experiences
Despite the dangers, protesters have been sharing their experiences on social media, with many reporting being shot at by security forces. One protester, a 50-year-old entrepreneur in Tehran, shared a video of herself joining a protest in the high-end Andarzgoo neighborhood of Tehran. The video showed people walking through the street, joyous, despite a halo of teargas hanging over their heads. However, the mood quickly turned as security forces approached and began shooting at the unarmed protesters.
Death Toll and Arrests
The death toll from the protests continues to rise, with at least 648 protesters killed, according to a rights group. The group has verified the tally but estimates that the actual number could be much higher, given the difficulties in retrieving information from Iran. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRNA) has reported that there have been at least 599 deaths and over 10,600 arrests. The Iranian government has not offered overall casualty figures for the demonstrations.
internet Blackout
The internet blackout that has lasted for over three days has made it difficult for protesters to share their experiences and for the international community to get a clear picture of the situation on the ground. The blackout has been imposed by the government in an effort to prevent protesters from organizing and sharing information. However, protesters have managed to get out some videos of the rallies using satellite internet services, despite the government’s efforts to block them.
Calls for US Intervention
The US has warned Iran that it is considering "very strong military action" against the country, with the president claiming that Iran has reached out to propose negotiations. However, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRNA) has reported that there have been at least 599 deaths and over 10,600 arrests, prompting calls for US intervention to stop the violence. The European parliament has also called on the Iranian government to end its violence against protesters and uphold fundamental rights and freedoms.
Conclusion
The situation in Iran continues to escalate, with the government facing its largest protest movement since 2009. The international community is watching with concern, with the US warning Iran that it is considering "very strong military action" against the country. The European parliament has banned all Iranian diplomatic staff from its chambers and premises, citing the regime’s human rights record. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the protests and what the international community will do to support the protesters.
