The military emphasized that their goal is to "reliably protect national interests, strategic infrastructure, and state property," while placing the blame for the events on Israel and "terrorist groups." Previously, only the police and paramilitary formations were involved in the suppression of protests.
The protests, which initially began with economic demands, have evolved into political slogans aimed at overthrowing the theocratic regime. According to the human rights organization Human Rights Activists in Iran, the number of fatalities during the protests has reached at least 65 people, and more than 2,300 protesters have been arrested. The actions have spread to approximately 180 cities, with most of the deceased being participants in the demonstrations.
Human rights defenders report that security forces are using firearms against protesters. A statement from the oil workers' union in the city of Bandar-e Kangan in southern Iran indicated that on Wednesday, security forces opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in several injured individuals being taken to hospitals in serious condition. One surgeon from Ilam province recounted how he extracted two bullets from the back of a 50-year-old patient, fired from an AK-47, along with 40 shotgun pellets.
The intelligence services of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that the overthrow of the theocratic regime is unacceptable and constitutes a "red line." Tehran's prosecutor, Ali Salehi, stated that individuals accused of destroying state property or engaging in armed conflicts with security forces will face serious charges, including "enmity against God," which can lead to the death penalty in Iran.
In the wake of the protests, authorities have almost completely restricted internet access and disrupted telephone communications, including landlines. Local residents claim that such measures are being implemented for the first time. The Iranian Ministry of Information and National Security has also sent SMS messages urging citizens to report on protest activities and to warn children about the "consequences of cooperating with mercenary terrorists."
