Iran's Protests Escalate: Over 116 Lives Lost Amidst Government Crackdown

Protests Mark Two Weeks Amid Rising Tensions

In Dubai, protests against Iran's theocratic regime have now entered their second week, with reports indicating that at least 116 individuals have lost their lives amid the unrest, according to activists.

The situation has become increasingly challenging to monitor due to internet outages and disrupted phone services in Iran. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that over 2,600 people have been detained during these protests.

While Iranian state television has focused on casualties among security forces, it has downplayed the deaths of demonstrators, labeling them as 'terrorists.'

Despite this narrative, protests continued into Sunday morning, with significant gatherings reported in Tehran and Mashhad.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has hinted at an impending crackdown, disregarding warnings from the US. Tehran's attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, has threatened that participants in the protests could be charged with being 'enemies of God,' a crime punishable by death.

The attorney general's statement emphasized that even those who assist protesters would face severe legal consequences.

The statement urged prosecutors to act swiftly and decisively against those deemed to be undermining national security, insisting on no leniency in legal proceedings.

US President Donald Trump expressed solidarity with the protesters, stating on social media that 'Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!'

Reports from major news outlets, citing anonymous US officials, indicated that Trump has been presented with military options regarding Iran, although no final decision has been made.

The State Department issued a warning, stating, 'Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.'

As the work week commenced in Iran, many educational institutions opted for online classes, as reported by state television. Some internal government websites are still operational.

State TV has been broadcasting a martial orchestral piece from the 'Epic of Khorramshahr,' a composition that honors Iran's 1982 victory during the Iran-Iraq war, while also showcasing pro-government rallies.

This music has been associated with videos of women protesting the death of Mahsa Amini by cutting their hair.

Footage has emerged showing protesters in northern Tehran's Saadat Abad area, with chants of 'Death to Khamenei!' echoing through the streets.

The semiofficial Fars news agency, linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, released surveillance footage purportedly from protests in Isfahan, showing demonstrators engaging in violent acts against government properties.

Reports indicate that protesters have killed three members of the Basij force in Gachsaran, and several security personnel have also been killed in various provinces.

The Tasnim news agency claimed that nearly 200 individuals associated with 'operational terrorist teams' have been detained, allegedly armed with firearms and explosives.

State television aired a funeral attended by hundreds in Qom, a city known for its Shiite seminary.

Following the internet blackout and disruption of international calls, only a few state-affiliated media outlets have been able to report from Iran.

Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has called for continued protests, urging demonstrators to reclaim public spaces with national symbols from the pre-revolution era.

While some protesters have shown support for the former shah, it remains unclear if this reflects support for Pahlavi or a desire to revert to the pre-1979 regime.

Videos circulating online suggest that protests continued into Saturday night.

The demonstrations, which began on December 28 due to the collapse of the Iranian rial, have evolved into broader calls for challenging the theocratic government.

In response to the unrest, several airlines have canceled flights to Iran, with Austrian Airlines suspending operations as a precautionary measure.

Concerns are mounting that the internet shutdown may facilitate a violent crackdown by security forces, reminiscent of past protests where hundreds were killed. Ali Rahmani, son of imprisoned Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi, expressed fears for the worst outcome.

He stated, 'They are fighting, and losing their lives, against a dictatorial regime.'