Iran’s nationwide protests entered a second week as activists reported at least 116 people killed and more than 2,600 detained amid a widening government crackdown. Opposition groups say the real toll may be far higher.
The unrest has been compounded by a near-total internet blackout, now exceeding 60 hours, according to monitoring group NetBlocks. With phone lines cut and connectivity virtually nonexistent, verifying events on the ground has become increasingly difficult.
Medical staff at hospitals in Tehran told the BBC that facilities were overwhelmed with wounded and dead protesters, many of them young. One medic reported victims arriving with gunshot wounds to the head and chest. Another hospital worker said morgues had filled beyond capacity, forcing bodies to be stacked in prayer rooms.
Despite state media focusing on casualties among security forces and labeling demonstrators as “terrorists,” protests continued into Sunday in Tehran, Mashhad, Qom, and other major cities. Videos verified by international agencies showed crowds banging pots, setting off fireworks, and chanting anti-government slogans, including calls supporting Iran’s former monarchy.
Iranian officials escalated their rhetoric Saturday. Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad warned that protesters could be charged as “enemies of God,” a crime punishable by death. Authorities also announced the arrest of nearly 200 people allegedly linked to “terrorist teams,” along with the detention of a foreign national accused of spying for Israel.
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly voiced support for protesters, while reports said he has been briefed on military options regarding Iran, though no final decision has been made.
