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Hospitals in crisis as protests escalate
Medical staff in Tehran and Shiraz report being overwhelmed by a surge of injured protesters, with one eye hospital declaring a state of emergency. Iran remains under an internet blackout, complicating efforts to verify reports.
Medical workers describe dire conditions
A doctor at Farabi Hospital, Tehran's primary eye care facility, told the BBC the center had entered "crisis mode" late Friday. Non-urgent surgeries were suspended as staff scrambled to treat emergency cases, many involving severe eye injuries.
In Shiraz, a medic shared an audio message with the BBC describing an influx of patients with gunshot wounds to the head and eyes. The hospital lacked sufficient surgeons to handle the volume, the medic said.
Death toll climbs amid crackdown
At least 50 protesters and 15 security personnel have died since demonstrations began on December 28, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The Norway-based Iran Human Rights group reported 51 deaths, including nine children. BBC Persian confirmed the identities of 22 victims through family accounts.
Over 2,311 people have been arrested, HRANA added.
International condemnation and Iranian defiance
United Nations Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed alarm over the fatalities, emphasizing that governments must protect the right to peaceful protest. A joint statement from French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed the call, urging Iranian authorities to respect freedoms of expression and assembly.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the criticism in a televised address, framing the protests as a threat to the Islamic Republic's foundations. "The Islamic Republic will not back down in the face of those who deny its legitimacy," he said.
US and Iran trade accusations
US President Donald Trump warned Iran against violent repression, stating, "We will be hitting them very hard where it hurts" if security forces escalate. He clarified that US involvement would not include "boots on the ground."
"The United States supports the brave people of Iran."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, via X
Iran's UN ambassador countered by accusing Washington of inciting instability, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blamed Israel and the US for fueling the unrest. A US State Department spokesperson dismissed Araghchi's remarks as "delusional."
Authorities issue warnings to protesters
Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) vowed "decisive legal action" against protesters, labeling them "armed vandals." The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence unit pledged to continue operations until "the complete defeat of the enemy's plan."
Since Thursday evening, Iran has enforced a near-total internet blackout, restricting access to information and independent reporting.
