Iran's Government Tightens Grip Amid Ongoing Protests
As protests in Iran continue to rage on, the country's government has escalated its crackdown, with a growing death toll and increasing restrictions on dissent. At least 65 people have been killed, while over 2,300 others are detained, according to human rights activists.
The internet remains down in Iran, making it difficult for outsiders to gauge the situation on the ground. However, state media outlets continue to report on security force casualties and control over the nation. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signaled a coming crackdown, despite US warnings.
In contrast, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed support for the protesters, stating that "The United States supports the brave people of Iran." Meanwhile, the State Department issued a warning, advising against any actions by President Trump, emphasizing his track record on following through on commitments.
Despite these tensions, many schools and universities held online classes, while internal government websites are believed to be functioning. However, state TV played a driving orchestral arrangement from the "Epic of Khorramshahr" during pro-government demonstrations, which has been used in videos of protesting women cutting away their hair as a symbol of protest against the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini.
Contradicting these claims, an online video verified by The Associated Press showed demonstrations in northern Tehran's Saadat Abad area with thousands on the street. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Death to Khamenei!"
Surveillance camera footage released by the semiofficial Fars news agency appeared to show protesters firing long guns and throwing gasoline bombs at a government compound. Meanwhile, protesters have reportedly killed three members of the Guard's all-volunteer Basij force in Gachsaran.
Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has urged demonstrators to take to the streets on Saturday and Sunday, calling for them to carry national symbols used during the time of the shah. However, his support from Israel has drawn criticism in the past, particularly after the 12-day war.
The protests began over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at over 1.4 million to $1 due to international sanctions. The demonstrations have grown into calls directly challenging Iran's theocracy, with many protesters demanding regime change.
As protests in Iran continue to rage on, the country's government has escalated its crackdown, with a growing death toll and increasing restrictions on dissent. At least 65 people have been killed, while over 2,300 others are detained, according to human rights activists.
The internet remains down in Iran, making it difficult for outsiders to gauge the situation on the ground. However, state media outlets continue to report on security force casualties and control over the nation. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signaled a coming crackdown, despite US warnings.
In contrast, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed support for the protesters, stating that "The United States supports the brave people of Iran." Meanwhile, the State Department issued a warning, advising against any actions by President Trump, emphasizing his track record on following through on commitments.
Despite these tensions, many schools and universities held online classes, while internal government websites are believed to be functioning. However, state TV played a driving orchestral arrangement from the "Epic of Khorramshahr" during pro-government demonstrations, which has been used in videos of protesting women cutting away their hair as a symbol of protest against the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini.
Contradicting these claims, an online video verified by The Associated Press showed demonstrations in northern Tehran's Saadat Abad area with thousands on the street. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Death to Khamenei!"
Surveillance camera footage released by the semiofficial Fars news agency appeared to show protesters firing long guns and throwing gasoline bombs at a government compound. Meanwhile, protesters have reportedly killed three members of the Guard's all-volunteer Basij force in Gachsaran.
Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has urged demonstrators to take to the streets on Saturday and Sunday, calling for them to carry national symbols used during the time of the shah. However, his support from Israel has drawn criticism in the past, particularly after the 12-day war.
The protests began over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at over 1.4 million to $1 due to international sanctions. The demonstrations have grown into calls directly challenging Iran's theocracy, with many protesters demanding regime change.
they're always finding new ways to suppress dissent and keep people in the dark about what's really going on in their own countries 
it's like, can't we just have some freedom to make our own choices and express ourselves without fear of reprisal? 
the fact that they're using propaganda to manipulate public opinion is so disingenuous 
and honestly, who needs all these "protests" when people are just going to show up in the streets with their hair cut off as a symbol of defiance anyway 
the more i think about it, the more i realize how broken our systems really are 
. The US is being pretty neutral in all this, which is good I guess. But what's with Israel's involvement? Shouldn't they be focusing on their own issues rather than getting caught up in someone else's conflict? 
... when it's already being suppressed 
. The people of Iran deserve to be heard and have their voices respected 
.
. It's like they're literally shutting down the internet to keep people from spreading info about what's really happening on the ground 
. And those protests are getting more intense by the day 
. Meanwhile, we've got world leaders like Marco Rubio just throwing shade at the protesters' leader, but still sending them support 
. It's all so confusing 
, and on the other, you've got people taking to the streets demanding change 
. I'm just trying to stay informed through online sources like The Associated Press... they're like our eyes and ears in there 
. It's like they're going back to a different era, but at the same time, we can see it on videos and news that protests are still raging on 
. The images of protesters cutting their hair or using national symbols to show support for regime change is crazy 
. Meanwhile, in Iran, it feels like a full-blown crisis is unfolding with thousands taking to the streets 
.
it's not exactly inspiring
it's like, yeah i get it, you're protesting, now cut your hair off too lol... just kidding, kinda.
... like what can we do to actually help them? And then the government is all like cracking down on dissent and killing people 
I'm not surprised at all that the US is trying to stay neutral, but still, someone gotta say somethin' about all this... 
.
That's some powerful stuff right there 
