Iran Anti-Government Protests Spread to Majority of Provinces, Videos Show
Protests have erupted across at least 17 of Iran’s 31 provinces, marking the most significant challenge to the clerical establishment since 2022. A comprehensive analysis by BBC Verify and BBC Persian reveals a pattern of unrest that is likely even broader than what has been documented.
– Scope of Protests: Reports indicate protests are occurring in a total of 28 provinces, demonstrating widespread dissatisfaction.
– Trigger Events: The wave of unrest began on December 28, following a severe devaluation of Iran’s currency against the dollar and other currencies, which spurred initial demonstrations in Tehran.
– Geographic Spread: Verified footage over the past ten days highlights anti-government actions and gatherings in over 50 towns and cities, reaching regions historically viewed as loyal to the state.
Key Developments in the Protests
– Protest Hotspots: Cities like Qom and Mashhad, known for their loyalty to the Islamic Republic, have witnessed significant demonstrations, signaling a shift in public sentiment.
– Expert Insights: Prof. Sina Azodi from George Washington University noted that unrest in these traditionally loyal cities indicates that the government’s support base is eroding due to economic hardships.
– Government Response: Authorities have a history of violently quelling demonstrations. The protests of 2022, which began after the death of Mahsa Amini, saw over 550 deaths at the hands of security forces. Although initial reactions to current protests seemed more restrained, recent footage suggests a return to heavy-handed tactics, especially following remarks from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who stated that rioters must be put in their place.
Continued Violence and Repression
– Fatalities: BBC Persian has confirmed at least 11 deaths since the protests reignited, with human rights groups estimating that at least 35 individuals have lost their lives in the unrest.
– Recent Incidents: A particularly violent crackdown occurred in Malekshahi, where gunfire during demonstrations resulted in multiple fatalities. Additional footage from Ilam city indicated security forces firing upon protesters.
– Warnings from Authorities: The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) issued stark warnings, stating that they will not tolerate further gatherings.
Shift in Protest Dynamics
– Method of Protest: The demonstrations have evolved from targeting government actions to more explicitly anti-state rhetoric. Protesters are increasingly vocal against Supreme Leader Khamenei and are seen calling for the ouster of the Islamic Republic.
– Symbolic Acts: In various locations, protesters burned a statue of Khamenei and chanted slogans against the ruling establishment, indicating a growing frustration with systemic issues such as mismanagement and corruption.
Experts Weigh In
Despite the scale of the unrest, many experts believe it does not yet pose an existential threat to the regime. Key points include:
– Loyalty of Security Forces: Current analysis indicates no significant defections among security personnel, who continue to execute orders.
– Absence of Unified Goals: While widespread, the protests lack a clear strategy for overthrowing the government, leading some to view the unrest as an accumulation of grievances rather than a coordinated uprising.
The current anti-government protests signal a critical moment in Iran’s political landscape, as widespread discontent continues to challenge the ruling authority. As economic difficulties persist and calls for change grow louder, observers will be closely monitoring how the government responds moving forward.