Thousands Feared Dead in Iran Protest Crackdown Amid Rising Tensions with US and Israel
Tehran: Thousands of people are feared dead following a severe crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran, according to reports quoting an Iranian security official. A news agency cited the official as saying that the death toll could be as high as 2,000.
The unrest, triggered by worsening economic conditions, is described as the biggest internal challenge faced by Iranian authorities in at least the past three years. The protests have erupted at a time of heightened international pressure on Iran, following strikes carried out last year by Israel and the United States.
Iranian authorities have blamed the United States and Israel for instigating the unrest, alleging that terrorist elements have hijacked what began as public protests. A human rights organisation had earlier reported that hundreds of people had been killed, while thousands more were arrested during the ongoing crackdown.
Videos circulating over the past week have shown violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces, including scenes of gunfire, burning vehicles and damaged buildings. The flow of information has been severely restricted due to communication curbs, including an internet blackout imposed in recent days.
Meanwhile, Iranian prosecutors have filed the first charges against demonstrators detained during the unrest, state media reported today, indicating a further hardening of the authorities’ response.
In a related development, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran is prepared for any action by the United States as President Donald Trump weighs options for possible intervention. Araghchi stated that Iran’s readiness is significantly greater than during the US military strikes carried out in June last year.
Earlier reports said that President Trump had been briefed on a range of covert and military measures against Iran, including long-range missile strikes and cyber operations.
The situation remains tense as protests continue and geopolitical pressures on Iran intensify.
— Hind Samachar News
