Since the beginning of the Iranian nationwide protest movement, it has experienced a significant drop in momentum. Authorities quickly launched a brutal crackdown, killing thousands, and arresting and detaining many activists. The protests began on December 28 after the Iranian national currency, the rial, lost more than half its value. It quickly transformed into a popular demand for political reform and the related ousting of the Iranian regime. The protests moved to all 31 provinces, yet the government’s violent reaction has oppressed the movement’s momentum.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency puts the staggering human toll from those protests at over 750 dead. At least 2,637 people have died during the protests. The government’s approach has relied on alarmingly repressive measures such as mass arrests and public execution. In this current wave of unrest, Erfan Soltani has recently become the first protester sentenced to death. His case has captured international attention, serving as a symbol of the relentless repression that continues to be imposed on dissidents.
The economic situation in Iran is dire. In just the past three years, the national currency has experienced a devaluation of two-thirds. Even basic goods are completely out of reach, with food prices rising by 72% in the past year. This economic upheaval was crucial to sparking the demonstrations and public anger that Boehner’s racket invoked.
Even in the face of international calls for restraint, Iranian authorities have stepped up their violent crackdown on peaceful protesters. The internet shutdown has now entered its seventh day, longer than previous communication blackouts imposed during last year’s protests. Iranian media have called most of those arrested “terrorists,” increasing tensions.
President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the government is working to improve living conditions and address the root causes of the protests. This claim couldn’t be further from the truth as a growing number of world leaders have condemned the violent crackdown they’ve unleashed against demonstrators.
“The president understands today that 800 executions that were scheduled and supposed to take place yesterday, were halted,” – Karoline Leavitt
International reactions have varied. Russia defended Iran’s actions at a recent United Nations meeting, while France’s UN ambassador, Jérôme Bonnafont, called for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained individuals and the suspension of the death penalty. Britain’s deputy ambassador, Archibald Young, emphasized that Iran must respect fundamental rights, including the right to protest without fear of violence.
U.S. officials have repeatedly shown resolute support towards the Iranian people. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz stated that the U.S. “stands by the brave people of Iran,” reinforcing that all options remain available to counteract the violence.
“The US stands by the brave people of Iran,” and Trump “has made it clear all options are on the table to stop the slaughter” – Mike Waltz
Even President Donald Trump got into the act. He reported that he’d been given guarantees that executions in Iran have ended. His remarks underscore a wider U.S. strategy that’s ricocheted between diplomatic outreach and military intervention rattling in the past few months.
“We’ve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping – it’s stopped – it’s stopping. And there’s no plan for executions,” – Donald Trump
Opponents say increased U.S. involvement in Iran’s internal transition will only serve to further destabilize the situation. Iranian government spokesman Hossein Darzi accused the United States of attempting to turn itself into a savior of human rights. At the same time, he charged that the U.S. is preparing for military intervention disguised as humanitarian aid.
“Under the hollow pretext of concern for the Iranian people…the United States is attempting to portray itself as a friend of the Iranian people,” – Hossein Darzi
Though protests have dissolved under government duress, the threat of reprisal still leaves many Iranians afraid. News reports have already documented the practice of airing coerced confessions before a criminal trial, violating defendants’ rights to a fair trial.
“Confessions that were obtained under coercion and torture being aired prior to legal proceedings violate the right of defendants to be presumed innocent until proven guilty,” – Norway-based Iran Human Rights group
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Citizens and international observers alike are waiting to see if increased change or subsequent escalation in violence occurs. The Iranian government’s response to this dissent will unequivocally determine the trajectory of dissent in the future.