At least 538 people have been killed in a crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, with fears the toll may be higher amid an internet blackout hampering monitoring efforts.
The protests, which began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial and economic pressures from sanctions tied to the nuclear programme, have evolved into broader challenges to Iran’s theocracy. More than 10,600 people have been detained during two weeks of demonstrations.
Mohammad Baagher Qalibaf, the hard-line speaker of Iran’s parliament, issued threats against U.S. military installations and Israel during a speech on Sunday. “In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centres, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets,” he stated. “We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat.”
Nationwide protests flooded the streets of Tehran and Mashhad on Sunday morning, with demonstrations also occurring in Kerman. The Human Rights Activists News Agency described the pattern in the capital as “largely taking form of scattered, short-lived, and fluid gatherings, an approach shaped in response to the heavy presence of security forces and increased field pressure.”
Videos transmitted via Starlink showed protests in Tehran’s Punak neighbourhood, with demonstrators holding lit phones, banging metal objects and setting off fireworks whilst security drones flew overhead. State television showed calm streets in some cities, though not Tehran or Mashhad, and broadcast funerals for security personnel.
According to state media, six security forces were killed in Kermanshah, 13 in Fars province and seven in North Khorasan. Parliament lawmakers were shown shouting “Death to America” during proceedings.
U.S. President Trump voiced support for protesters on social media, stating: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” Two anonymous sources familiar with White House discussions noted considerations of cyberattacks or strikes by the U.S. or Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Iranian citizens heroic, stating: “The people of Israel, the entire world, are in awe of the tremendous heroism of the citizens of Iran.” He spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whilst an anonymous Israeli official said Israel is watching the U.S.-Iran situation closely.
Iran’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, in an interview aired on Sunday, adopted a harder tone whilst acknowledging concerns. “People have concerns, we should sit with them and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns,” he said. “But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society.”
Ali Larijani, a top security official, accused some protesters of acts similar to ISIS, describing “killing people or burning some people, which is very similar to what ISIS does.”
Pope Leo XIV prayed for dialogue, stating: “I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society.”
Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called for more street demonstrations on Sunday. Some protesters have voiced support for the shah, though it remains unclear whether this refers to Pahlavi or the pre-1979 era. His ties to Israel have drawn criticism following the June conflict.
The Iranian rial now trades at over 1.4 million to the dollar amid sanctions. Internet blackouts and severed phone lines have hindered international monitoring, potentially emboldening hard-liners within the regime.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader, holds final authority over war decisions. U.S. military forces have adopted a posture for full combat readiness in the Middle East, with significant assets including the 5th Fleet in Bahrain. Iran previously targeted Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar during a 12-day war with Israel in June, when Iranian air defences were destroyed.
