Iran Sees Rising Deaths and Detentions in Protests... Military Warns "Protecting Security Is a Red Line"

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran declared, "Protecting security is a red line, and we cannot tolerate the current situation continuing."

In a statement broadcast on state television that day, the IRGC condemned, "Over the past two days, terrorists have attacked military and security bases, killed civilians and security personnel, and set fires."

The Iranian military also issued a separate statement the same day, announcing, "We will protect national interests, strategic infrastructure, and public property."

This is interpreted as a declaration that the ongoing anti-government protests, now in their second week, are being regarded as a security threat and will be met with a hardline crackdown.

According to foreign media, Iranian state outlets have been focusing on the violence of the protesters and the casualties among government forces throughout the night. Since the afternoon of January 8, Iran has completely cut off international phone calls and internet access, blocking communication with the outside world.

As the authorities continue their hardline crackdown, the number of deaths and detentions is increasing.

Anti-government protests are taking place in Tehran

The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), based in the United States, reported that as of the previous day, a total of 65 people had died, including 50 protesters. This is an increase of three from the figure reported a day earlier. According to the Norwegian human rights group Hengaw, it is estimated that 2,500 protesters have been detained over the past two weeks.

The current protests, triggered by economic hardship, are now targeting Iran's leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and threatening the country's theocratic system.

Reza Pahlavi, the last crown prince of the Pahlavi dynasty overthrown in the 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution, said in a video message on social media that day, "Our goal is to prepare to take control of the city centers," adding that he is preparing to return to his homeland. Pahlavi has recently been leading agitation through social media, fueling the current anti-government protests.