Iranian authorities killed thousands during a violent crackdown on anti-government protests over the last two weeks.
On January 8, the Iranian government shut down internet communication and telephone lines between Iran and the rest of the world. Internet through Starlink satellites, which is illegal in Iran, allowed limited communication about the crackdown.
Despite the shutdown, protests continued over the weekend. Videos from capital city Tehran and Iran’s second largest city, Mashhad, show thousands of people in the streets.
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi posted to social media, urging Iranians to continue protesting. He told protesters to “claim public spaces as your own.”
On Saturday, Iran’s attorney general Mohammad Movahedi Azad spoke on national television. He said that anyone participating in a protest or helping protests would be considered an “enemy of God,” which carries a death sentence.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, authorities have killed at least 2,003 people and arrested over 16,700 as of Tuesday morning. Protesters killed around 135 security force members during street riots.
Iranian national television showed footage of counter protests. In the footage, tens of thousands of people chant, “Death to the enemies of God!” and “Death to America!” Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared on TV to praise the counter-protesters. “This was a warning to American politicians,” he added.
Over the weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that his administration was in talks with the Iranian government. The next day, he announced that any countries doing business with Iran would face 25% tariffs.
But on Tuesday morning, President Trump announced that he canceled meetings with Iranian officials. He addressed protesters in Iran, writing, “Help is on its way.”
Some people in Tehran successfully made international phone calls on Tuesday. They described police officers standing at major intersections in the city. Although many banks and government offices were destroyed in riots, shops were open. According to one taxi driver, some young people are discussing continuing the protests.
Pray for peace and justice in Iran. Ask the true God to make Himself known to all in this turbulent situation.
