Iran Faces Drastic Measures Amid Ongoing Protests

Iran Faces Drastic Measures Amid Ongoing Protests

Tehran, Iran – Iranians are once again experiencing internet service interruptions as protests erupt across the country, with state authorities issuing warnings about foreign sabotage while organizing counter-demonstrations. Internet users have reported sporadic disruptions to their home and mobile connections, and data from American company Cloudflare indicates an average 35% drop in internet traffic in Iran compared to previous days.

Protests began last Sunday among merchants in central Tehran and quickly spread to other cities. At least 10 people have been killed during the demonstrations, including a young entrepreneur from Hamedan, a city that has witnessed days of intense protests. Authorities have accused "enemies" of causing his death to tarnish the image of Iranian officials.

Security officials from various cities confirmed that violent incidents have taken place, including the death of a 17-year-old teenager and a separate incident in which a member of the Revolutionary Guards was killed. Meanwhile, authorities in Lorestan province announced the arrest of three protest leaders from the city of Khorramabad.

In a statement, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed foreign influence and declared that "protesters must be put in order." Additionally, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the actions of the United States, claiming that they continue to support violence in the region.

The social contrast is exacerbated by a severe economic crisis, with an inflation rate of approximately 50% and international sanctions severely impacting the country's economy. In response to the protests, the government recently dismissed the governor of the central bank.