Deadly Clashes Erupt in Tehran as Iran’s Nationwide Protests Intensify
TEHRAN, Iran — Armed confrontations between protesters and security forces erupted in Tehran’s Tehranpars neighborhood on Friday as Iran’s anti-regime demonstrations escalated into deadly violence. The unrest, now in its 14th day, has spread to nearly 190 cities across the country, with reports confirming at least 65 people killed, including children, and over 2,300 arrested, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency in Iran.
Video footage obtained by Iranian state media and shared with international outlets shows repeated gunfire ringing out as so-called “rebellious youth” clashed with Iran’s State Security Forces. Protesters shouted slogans such as “Death to Khamenei!” and “We are all together!” signaling their defiance against the Islamic Republic’s leadership. The demonstrations, which began as peaceful calls for reform, have intensified amid a government-imposed internet blackout that has largely severed Iran from the global community.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran reports that the protests have engulfed 190 cities, a testament to the widespread discontent. Dissident politician Maryam Rajavi praised the demonstrators’ resilience, stating, “By defending the demonstrators, the rebellious youths did not allow the flames of the uprising to be extinguished. They have shown their determination to triumph over the regime.”
In Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump addressed the escalating crisis, warning that the United States is closely monitoring the situation. “Iran’s in big trouble,” Trump said at a news conference on Friday. “It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible just a few weeks ago.” He cautioned that if the Iranian regime resorts to mass violence against protesters, the U.S. would respond forcefully, emphasizing, “We’ll be hitting them very hard where it hurts. And that doesn’t mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts.”
The unrest has also disrupted international travel, with airlines including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and others suspending flights to Iran amid safety concerns. The Iranian government’s decision to impose a sweeping internet blackout has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations, which argue that it hampers transparency and access to information.
The situation remains volatile as security forces continue to confront demonstrators, and the death toll rises. The United States Department of State has urged restraint and called for the protection of human rights amid the turmoil. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Watch and other advocacy groups continue to document abuses and arrests.
As the crisis unfolds, the world watches closely, aware that Iran’s internal strife could have significant regional and global implications. The U.S. government’s warning signals a readiness to impose sanctions or other measures targeting the regime’s leadership, though direct military intervention has been ruled out.
For ongoing updates on the situation in Iran, the U.S. Department of State provides official statements and travel advisories. Additionally, the CIA World Factbook offers comprehensive background on Iran’s political landscape, helping contextualize the current unrest.
As protests continue to sweep across Iran’s cities, the resilience of the demonstrators and the government’s response will shape the country’s future trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
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