UPDATE: The death toll from ongoing protests in Iran has surged past 544 as authorities confirm a brutal crackdown on demonstrators. This alarming development comes as the Iranian government warns against potential U.S. military involvement, igniting fears of escalating tensions.
Large crowds are now gathering for pro-regime rallies across cities such as Kerman and Zahedan, where demonstrators are seen waving Islamic Republic flags and chanting “Death to America,” according to state media. These gatherings are a direct response to over two weeks of protests sparked by public outrage over economic instability and government repression.
Over the past 15 days, the protests have escalated dramatically, leading to the deaths of at least 544 people, including eight children, as reported by the Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA). Authorities have also detained more than 10,681 individuals amid the unrest.
With the protests entering their third week, the Iranian regime is facing its most significant challenge in years. In an alarming statement, President Donald Trump revealed that he is considering various military options for Iran, although no decision has been made. “The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options,” Trump stated on Sunday.
The Iranian government has issued stark warnings of retaliation against U.S. intervention. “If the United States intervenes militarily, we will respond,” an Iranian official emphasized. This warning underscores the escalating stakes as the U.S. weighs its response to the regime’s violent suppression of dissent.
As protests continue, authorities have imposed a nationwide internet blackout, now entering its fourth day, complicating efforts to assess the situation on the ground. Cybersecurity watchdog NetBlocks reports that communications are severely limited, further isolating Iranian citizens from the outside world.
In a notable moment of solidarity, the Iranian government has called for a nationwide march today at 2 p.m. local time (5:30 a.m. ET) to support the regime. This mobilization comes in the wake of perceived provocations from protesters, who have allegedly desecrated Islamic symbols.
In a separate incident, a U-Haul truck drove through a crowd of anti-regime protesters in Los Angeles, injuring one person. The driver has been detained, raising concerns about the safety of demonstrations abroad.
In Tehran, mourners have been seen openly chanting anti-government slogans at funerals for the deceased protesters. Videos show families desperately searching for their loved ones among dozens of bodies at the Kahrizak Forensic Medical Center. Grieving relatives express their anguish, with some insisting their deceased family members were not involved in protests.
As the international community watches closely, the situation in Iran remains critical. With the potential for U.S. military intervention looming and protests intensifying, the developments unfolding in Iran are urgent and require global attention.
What happens next is uncertain, but the world is on alert as these protests challenge the very foundations of the Iranian regime, and the repercussions could extend far beyond its borders. Share this article to stay updated on the latest developments in this rapidly evolving situation.
