Iran's top judge warned Wednesday that there would be "no leniency" for protesters accused of disturbing public order, as Iran faces its largest wave of demonstrations in three years. Authorities say foreign powers are exploiting the unrest to destabilize the country, while popular anger continues to spread amid a severe economic crisis.
The protests erupted last month in Tehran's Grand Bazaar after the collapse of the national currency. The movement quickly spread to numerous provinces, fueled by high inflation, a rising cost of living, and discontent with political and social restrictions. The western provinces, historically volatile and heavily policed, became the epicenter of the most violent clashes.
In a statement relayed by state media, the head of the judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni EjeiHe accused Israel and the United States of waging a "hybrid war" against the Islamic Republic. He asserted that any participation in the unrest amounted to aiding the country's enemies and promised a swift and decisive response from the authorities.
The supreme leader, Ali KhameneiHe, for his part, vowed not to yield to external pressure. His statements come as Washington warned it might support the protesters if security forces opened fire, amid heightened regional tensions following Western strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last year.
According to the human rights organization Hengaw, at least 27 people were killed and more than 1,500 arrested during the first ten days of protests, primarily in the west of the country. Another activist network, HRANA, reports a higher death toll, citing at least 36 deaths and more than 2,000 arrests. Iranian authorities have not released official figures on the number of protesters killed, but have acknowledged the deaths of members of the security forces.
Iranian media reported renewed nighttime gatherings and violent incidents, including attacks on banks and grocery stores, symbols of economic hardship. Videos circulating on social media showed scenes of looting basic necessities, which have become unaffordable for a growing segment of the population.
As the crackdown intensifies, the scale and duration of the movement remain uncertain. Authorities claim they want to restore order at all costs, while human rights organizations fear a rise in the death toll if the confrontation between protesters and security forces continues.
