Key Takeaways
- Anti-government protests in Iran have entered their third week, with thousands of protesters gathering in the streets of Tehran and other cities despite a deadly crackdown by authorities.
- The protests, which began over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, have swelled and turned to ousting the clerical authorities, with protesters chanting slogans in support of the ousted monarchy.
- The death toll in the protests has grown to at least 72 people, and more than 2,300 others have been detained, according to human rights groups.
- Iranian authorities have indicated they could intensify their crackdown on the demonstrations, with the Revolutionary Guards vowing to safeguard the government.
- The US has expressed support for the protesters, with President Donald Trump saying the US is "ready to help" the movement.
Introduction to the Protests
The streets of Iran’s capital, Tehran, were filled with anti-government chants on Saturday night, as protesters pressed on with the biggest movement against the Islamic republic’s rulers in more than three years. Despite a deadly crackdown by authorities, thousands of protesters have gathered on the streets of Tehran and other cities, calling for an end to the rule of the clerical authorities. The protests, which began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, have swelled and turned to ousting the clerical authorities, with protesters chanting slogans in support of the ousted monarchy.
The Government’s Response
Iranian authorities have indicated they could intensify their crackdown on the demonstrations, with the Revolutionary Guards vowing to safeguard the government. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has expressed defiance and blamed the United States for the protests, saying rioters were attacking public properties and warning that Tehran would not tolerate people acting as "mercenaries for foreigners". The government has also announced measures to try to address grievances, but has hardened its line as the protests have persisted. The death toll in the protests has grown to at least 72 people, and more than 2,300 others have been detained, according to human rights groups.
International Support for the Protesters
The US has expressed support for the protesters, with President Donald Trump saying the US is "ready to help" the movement. Trump has also warned Iran’s leaders that they are in "big trouble" and has reiterated that he could order new military action against the country. Other world leaders, including European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen, have urged restraint from Iranian authorities and condemned the "violent repression" against the demonstrators. Airlines have also cancelled some flights to Iran over the demonstrations, with Austrian Airlines suspending its flights to Iran "as a precautionary measure" through to Monday.
The Protesters’ Demands
The protesters are calling for an end to the rule of the clerical authorities and the restoration of the monarchy. They are also demanding action to fix the economy, which has been squeezed by international sanctions. The protesters have been chanting slogans in support of Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran’s deposed shah, who has urged Iranians to stage more targeted protests. Pahlavi has said that the goal of the protests is no longer just to take to the streets, but to prepare to seize and hold city centers.
The Human Rights Situation
Human rights groups have expressed alarm at the intensification of the crackdown by Iranian authorities, with Amnesty International saying it was analyzing "distressing reports that security forces have intensified their unlawful use of lethal force against protesters". The Norway-based Iran Human Rights group has posted images of bodies of people shot dead in the protests, saying that the images provide further evidence of the excessive and lethal use of force against protesters. The group has also said that security forces have killed hundreds in a 2019 protest, and that they can only fear the worst for the current protesters.
The Economic Situation
The economic situation in Iran is dire, with the rial currency trading at more than 1.4 million to $US1. The country’s economy has been squeezed by international sanctions, which have been levied over its nuclear program. The sanctions have led to soaring inflation, with the price of basic goods increasing exponentially. The protesters are demanding action to fix the economy, which they say is being mismanaged by the clerical authorities.
Conclusion
The protests in Iran have entered their third week, with thousands of protesters gathering in the streets of Tehran and other cities despite a deadly crackdown by authorities. The protesters are calling for an end to the rule of the clerical authorities and the restoration of the monarchy, as well as action to fix the economy. The international community has expressed support for the protesters, with the US saying it is "ready to help" the movement. However, the Iranian government has indicated it could intensify its crackdown on the demonstrations, with the Revolutionary Guards vowing to safeguard the government. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further violence and bloodshed.