Clerical regime crushes civilians brutally, blames Israel and America, revealing fear of freedom spreading regionwide.
Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei declared that those linked to recent nationwide protests will be punished “without the slightest leniency,” demanding accelerated trials and maximum severity. Authorities framed demonstrators as terrorists, ordering investigators to apply “the greatest rigor” while justifying lethal force, arson accusations, and mass arrests.
Protests and Blackout
What began as demonstrations over soaring living costs escalated into the most serious challenge to the Islamic Republic’s clerical rule in years. The unrest was crushed through a sweeping crackdown enforced under a nationwide internet blackout, effectively sealing Iran from external scrutiny as security forces moved street by street.
Conflicting Death Tolls
The regime claims 3,117 deaths, labeling security forces and bystanders as “martyrs” while blaming unrest on Israel and the United States. Independent monitors report vastly higher numbers, estimating thousands more confirmed deaths and tens of thousands under review—suggesting one of the bloodiest internal suppressions in modern Middle Eastern history.
International Pressure Mounts
Donald Trump warned of consequences should executions proceed, asserting that pressure forced Tehran to pause hundreds of planned death sentences. Despite softened rhetoric, Washington signaled readiness by deploying a major naval presence toward Iran.
