Iran is amidst an intense and deepening crisis as protests against the Iranian regime enter their 18th consecutive day. The protests that ignited on December 28th were triggered primarily by the deepening economic crisis. It rapidly transformed into an outpouring of anger against the clerical regime. According to SOHR, reports have been confirmed that the Iranian regime has executed over 12,000 people. There are concerns that an additional 10,000 might soon be executed should support from the West not appear quickly. This alarming situation has raised urgent concerns regarding food supplies and the capacity of hospitals to cope with the increasing number of casualties.
While the demonstrations increase in strength, ordinary people fear what they believe to be an inevitable and potentially deadly violent crackdown by the regime. The protesters’ death toll, now up to about 2,500 according to the U.S.-based human rights monitor HRANA, is staggering. In sharp contrast, Iran International reports that the death toll may now exceed 12,000. Leaked videos have surfaced showing hundreds of body bags outside a forensic medical facility, illuminating the grave reality faced by many families.
A Desperate Call for Help
In the midst of this turmoil, the cries for help from within Iran must be heard. As Sarah, an Iranian protester, told us, the biggest obstacles for families who are trying to seek justice for their loved ones’ killings.
“When families go to collect dead bodies, they have to sign an official paper that says these people have died from natural causes, that they haven’t been killed.” – Sarah
The human cost to families and communities is staggering, requiring families to identify their loved ones from among charred corpses.
“They have so many dead bodies piled up in containers … and when families go to get the body, they open the container and say, ‘Find it. Go and find your child’. There were 600 to 800 dead bodies.” – Sarah
In these few remarks, delivered with great passion, Sarah urged world leaders to stand with the Iranian people. She urged them to act in defense of what she’s characterized as a repressive regime.
“They have to find their child among dead bodies whose faces have been bloodied and disfigured.” – Sarah
The economic landscape in Iran has reached an alarming threshold, deepening the Iranian people’s frustration. According to reports, food prices have already increased six to seven times what they were before the invasion, creating an acute lack of availability. With citizens unable to afford even the most essential of needs, social tensions are becoming extreme.
“Our request is that world leaders don’t abandon us. Support us and help us against this repressive regime.” – Sarah
Economic Hardship Compounds the Crisis
The Basij militia forces are seen everywhere on nearly every street corner. This unprecedented visibility creates an environment of fear for residents, forcing them to close the mouths of the displeased.
Sarah reflected on the atmosphere of fear that now permeates Iranian society:
Even with these obvious risks, many other Iranians have taken up protesting from home.
“They’ve taken to the streets collecting the footage to identify and target people. Many people are deleting the vision so the Basij can’t get it.” – Sarah
The international community’s reaction to Iran’s increasing crisis will be even more important. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, in a post on the social media platform Truth Social, offered his full support for Iranian protesters.
“Even people who weren’t in the streets were shouting and protesting from their windows.” – Sarah
His statement reflects a broader concern among many Western leaders regarding the potential for further violence and human rights abuses in Iran. The regime’s history of violent repression raises serious questions about what might happen if international support does not arrive soon.
“People were shouting, ‘Death to the dictator, Khamenei’s government is invalid. Pahlavi will return’. Everyone was joined with voice.” – Sarah
International Response and Future Implications
Sarah warned of the dire consequences if action is not taken:
“Iranian patriots, keep protesting … help is on the way.” – Donald Trump
With hospitals already overrun with casualties and food supplies down to days, the situation is getting dire. Since then, families have been under unprecedentedly stressful circumstances as they travel through conditions filled with destruction and insecurity.
Today’s protests are the most important chance to reshape Iran’s future. Citizens are demanding reform from a brutal theocratic regime that has operated under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei since 1989. The call for action is clear:
“These are war crimes. They [Iran’s regime] already killed 12,000 people, and if we don’t get the support of the West, they will execute another 10,000 people.” – Sarah
As hospitals become overrun with casualties and food supplies dwindle, the situation continues to worsen. Families are facing unimaginable stress as they navigate a landscape fraught with danger and uncertainty.
The protests represent a critical juncture for Iran’s future. Citizens are demanding change from a regime that has ruled under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei since 1989. The call for action is clear:
“We don’t care if a war starts. We have seen this many people killed … we want the US to come rescue us from this situation.” – Sarah
