Iranian authorities warned of an intensified crackdown on anti-government demonstrations, the largest in years, as unrest spreads across the country.
The Revolutionary Guards blamed “terrorists” for the protests and vowed to protect the governing system.
State media reported fires at municipal buildings in Karaj and funerals for security personnel killed in cities including Shiraz, Qom, and Hamedan. Social media footage showed large crowds in Tehran chanting against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Since December 28, protests sparked by soaring inflation have turned political, with demonstrators calling for an end to clerical rule. Human rights group HRANA estimates at least 50 protesters and 15 security personnel have died, with around 2,300 arrests.
The Revolutionary Guards have deployed forces, and authorities say “terrorist groups” are attempting to destabilize the country. The U.S. expressed support for the protesters.
