Protests have erupted worldwide following reports of over 3,000 protesters allegedly killed in Iran’s harsh crackdown on demonstrations. The country’s 90 million residents woke up to internet restrictions and disrupted phone services after a series of protests that triggered a severe response from authorities.
Witnesses observed overwhelmed hospitals with numerous casualties as protesters filled the streets of Tehran and Mashhad. Videos showed ongoing demonstrations on Monday. The main opposition MEK claimed that the death toll from the 16-day protests surpassed 3,000, condemning the government’s actions as a “major crime against humanity.”
Despite the turmoil, Downing Street downplayed the possibility of designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Former MI6 head, Sir Richard Moore, cautioned that such a move may not have practical implications and could be more about self-satisfaction.
Parts of Tehran were significantly damaged during the protests, and pro-regime rallies were held in support of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Anti-regime sentiments were expressed in various locations, with calls for the return of Reza Pahlavi and displays of opposition to the current regime. While official estimates suggest around 600 protester deaths, opposition groups claim the toll could be as high as 3,000 individuals.
Efforts to control the unrest included mass rallies and the appearance of a dummy of Donald Trump. Anti-regime sentiments were visible in different forms, including billboards and protests in various cities, reflecting the continued tensions in Iran.