Iran admits for the first time to killing up to 2000 people during protests
According to an Iranian official on 13 January, via Reuters, the death toll includes not only protesters but also members of the security forces. This step by the authorities is the first public acknowledgement of such a significant number of deaths as a result of the violent actions against demonstrators. The statement said that the responsibility for the deaths lies with those whom the authorities call terrorists, but did not specify how the number of victims was distributed between civilians and security forces
Protests began on 28 December in response to a sharp drop in the value of the national currency and deteriorating socio-economic conditions. The demands of the protesters later escalated into nationwide calls for political change and the removal of the existing clerical establishment that has ruled the country since 1979. Analysts see these events as the biggest challenge to the Iranian government in the last three years
The unrest coincided with increased external pressure on Tehran. US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of 25% import duties on goods from countries that do business with Iran, and did not rule out the possibility of further tougher measures. Iran, which is already subject to US sanctions, continues to supply a significant portion of its oil exports to China and also has important trade relations with Turkey, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and India. Chinese officials have already criticised Washington's statements
In the context of the protests, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested that the Iranian government may not be able to retain power. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accused Berlin of double standards and rejected this assessment
Despite numerous protests and years of international pressure, there are no signs of a split in Iran's power elite. The authorities are trying to combine recognition of the economic problems that concern some protesters with stable security measures. Human rights organisations report thousands of arrests and hundreds of confirmed deaths, while opposition groups claim the actual death toll could be much higher
The situation has been further complicated by restrictions on access to information, as authorities have blocked the internet in recent days, making it difficult to verify facts. The UN Human Rights Office has reported that telephone service has been restored, but internet access in the country remains uncertain. Videos verified by Reuters show intense clashes, gunfire and arson in several cities
At the same time, Tehran expresses its readiness to maintain communication channels with Washington. Iranian officials say that contacts with the US side continue despite public threats and aggressive rhetoric around the crisis
Source and photo: Reuters
Iran, Tehran, protests, US, China
