UPDATE: As protests rage on across Iran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared on Monday that the regime has “regained total control” amidst a deadly crackdown on demonstrators. Reports indicate that this unrest has resulted in the deaths of at least 496 protesters and 121 security officers, with over 10,600 arrests in just two weeks.
The situation is deteriorating rapidly, with eyewitness accounts and videos showing overwhelming violence and casualties. The regime’s attempts to control the narrative have intensified, blaming external forces for inciting the protests, which began in Tehran‘s Grand Bazaar last December over economic grievances. Now, the protests have escalated into a significant challenge to the Islamic Republic.
International condemnation is escalating. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his shock over the “excessive use of force” by Iranian authorities, urging the regime to respect human rights and lift the communications blackout that has hindered information flow.
“We must see restraint from Iranian officials in their dealings with demonstrators,”
Guterres stated.
The Iranian government has implemented a brutal crackdown, with reports from Human Rights director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam suggesting that the death toll could be much higher than currently reported. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and many victims remain unaccounted for due to the regime’s restrictions on information.
Despite these alarming statistics, Araghchi framed the protests as a “war against terrorists,” claiming that foreign powers are fueling unrest. He emphasized that any outside support for demonstrators would be viewed as an “unacceptable intervention” in Iran’s internal affairs.
The regime has also issued threats against the United States and Israel, alleging their involvement in inciting the protests. Araghchi declared, “Families are pleading for their young people not to join these rioters and terrorists,” as he pledged that security forces would “hunt down” those responsible for violence during the protests.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community is closely monitoring the unrest in Iran. The regime’s efforts to suppress dissent and control the narrative have drawn severe criticism, raising urgent questions about the future of human rights in the region.
What’s Next: With protests showing no signs of abating, observers are urging immediate action from global leaders. As violence escalates and casualties mount, the world watches closely to see how this crisis will unfold.
