The Iranian government has been struggling to contain the unrest that has swept across the country for over two weeks, with widespread protests and demonstrations against the regime's authoritarian rule. The death toll from these protests continues to rise, with human rights groups estimating that at least 544 people have been killed, including protesters and members of the security forces.
In a bid to appear sympathetic to the protesters, Iranian state-controlled media aired footage on Sunday showing mass casualties in a morgue in a Tehran suburb. The bodies were wrapped in black bags, and people could be seen grieving and searching for their loved ones at the site. However, officials claimed that "the majority of those who died were ordinary people" and sought to downplay the role of radical actors inspired by US President Donald Trump's rhetoric.
President Trump has warned Iran that if it kills protesters, the US will "come to their rescue". He did not specify what exactly would prompt some action against the regime or what that might entail. The US has maintained a low-key presence in the region but officials have hinted at potential military options.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that the situation was now under control, repeating the government's claim that the US was to blame for the violence. However, human rights groups and independent observers remain skeptical of this assertion, pointing out that the internet has been shut down and protesters are facing widespread harassment and arrest.
The Iranian government has also announced plans to resume internet services in coordination with security forces, but no specific timeline has been given. This move is seen as an attempt by the regime to present a more peaceful face to the world while maintaining its authoritarian grip on power.
As tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate, it remains to be seen what course of action will be taken next. One thing is certain: the Iranian people will not be silenced, and their demand for democracy and human rights will not be ignored.
In a bid to appear sympathetic to the protesters, Iranian state-controlled media aired footage on Sunday showing mass casualties in a morgue in a Tehran suburb. The bodies were wrapped in black bags, and people could be seen grieving and searching for their loved ones at the site. However, officials claimed that "the majority of those who died were ordinary people" and sought to downplay the role of radical actors inspired by US President Donald Trump's rhetoric.
President Trump has warned Iran that if it kills protesters, the US will "come to their rescue". He did not specify what exactly would prompt some action against the regime or what that might entail. The US has maintained a low-key presence in the region but officials have hinted at potential military options.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that the situation was now under control, repeating the government's claim that the US was to blame for the violence. However, human rights groups and independent observers remain skeptical of this assertion, pointing out that the internet has been shut down and protesters are facing widespread harassment and arrest.
The Iranian government has also announced plans to resume internet services in coordination with security forces, but no specific timeline has been given. This move is seen as an attempt by the regime to present a more peaceful face to the world while maintaining its authoritarian grip on power.
As tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate, it remains to be seen what course of action will be taken next. One thing is certain: the Iranian people will not be silenced, and their demand for democracy and human rights will not be ignored.