Protesters in Iranian Kurdistan have taken to the streets for a 11th consecutive day, despite authorities' use of force to disperse crowds. The demonstrations, sparked by economic conditions and initially led by traders, have since expanded to address grievances against the government.
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of chaos as security forces fired tear gas, pellet guns, and what demonstrators claim were live bullets at crowds. "They are killing us. They're showing no mercy," said a 35-year-old protester in Kermanshah, whose voice broke as she spoke over the crackle of gunfire.
The Iranian government has responded with a carrot-and-stick approach, offering dialogue and economic reform while security forces have used more force to quell protests. The country's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has ordered investigations into videos showing riot gear-clad security forces raiding a hospital in Ilam, and announced the doubling of a state subsidy for breadwinners across the country.
However, the threat of international intervention remains high. US President Donald Trump had previously stated that the US would come to the rescue of protesters if Iran's government shot and killed them – a warning that has grown more alarming since the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday.
The economic conditions which triggered the protests continue to worsen, with the nation's currency depreciating further and prices for basic goods expected to soar after the government cancels a programme allowing importers and producers to use a preferential exchange rate.
Iran's people have suffered for years due to economic mismanagement and international sanctions, with the country's currency losing two-thirds of its value in the last three years. The average price of food had increased by 72% over the last year.
Despite the escalating violence, protesters say they intend to stay on the streets and respond to calls for protests tomorrow. Families of demonstrators killed during previous protests have been instructed by intelligence services not to join protests tomorrow, but the Kurdish community remains united in its determination to stand up against what they see as a repressive government.
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of chaos as security forces fired tear gas, pellet guns, and what demonstrators claim were live bullets at crowds. "They are killing us. They're showing no mercy," said a 35-year-old protester in Kermanshah, whose voice broke as she spoke over the crackle of gunfire.
The Iranian government has responded with a carrot-and-stick approach, offering dialogue and economic reform while security forces have used more force to quell protests. The country's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has ordered investigations into videos showing riot gear-clad security forces raiding a hospital in Ilam, and announced the doubling of a state subsidy for breadwinners across the country.
However, the threat of international intervention remains high. US President Donald Trump had previously stated that the US would come to the rescue of protesters if Iran's government shot and killed them – a warning that has grown more alarming since the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday.
The economic conditions which triggered the protests continue to worsen, with the nation's currency depreciating further and prices for basic goods expected to soar after the government cancels a programme allowing importers and producers to use a preferential exchange rate.
Iran's people have suffered for years due to economic mismanagement and international sanctions, with the country's currency losing two-thirds of its value in the last three years. The average price of food had increased by 72% over the last year.
Despite the escalating violence, protesters say they intend to stay on the streets and respond to calls for protests tomorrow. Families of demonstrators killed during previous protests have been instructed by intelligence services not to join protests tomorrow, but the Kurdish community remains united in its determination to stand up against what they see as a repressive government.
this is so sad what's going on with Iran I feel for those people living there they're already struggling so much and now it's like they have no choice but to take to the streets 
it's like they're playing a game of cat and mouse but in real life where innocent lives are at stake
I can imagine how tough it must be to watch prices rise and basic goods become unaffordable... it's like they're being suffocated by their own government 
like the protesters r just tryna get economic justice & reforms 4 years of mismanagement & sanctions have hit them hard & they cant afford basic goods anymore 
the gov is all like "let's talk" but they r still usin force to shut ppl down 
meanwhile, the US is watchin from afar & ready 2 intervene if things get really ugly 
gotta keep an eye on this situation
The Iranian gov is trying to calm things down with economic promises 
and security force "investigations" 
, but on the ground it's chaos 
and international sanctions 
. The gov is scared of int'l intervention 
, but protesters aren't backing down 
.
The US warning to Iran about protection 
, not just words. The people of Iran deserve better 
.
I'm worried about those protesters they're being really roughed up by the security forces... like literally breaking the law and causing people physical harm! 
It's not like the protesters are asking for much - basic human rights, economic stability... they're just trying to make ends meet