Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared that protecting national security is its red line as widespread protests continue across the country. The elite force, separate from the regular army, made the statement on Saturday after overnight demonstrations described as the largest in years. The IRGC said it is determined to safeguard the nation’s security and the achievements of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, claiming that armed attackers targeted military and law enforcement bases, killing both security personnel and civilians and setting fire to public and private facilities.

Iran’s army also announced its commitment to defending national interests, strategic infrastructure, and public assets. Both the army and the IRGC operate under the authority of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The protests began two weeks ago over uncontrolled inflation but have since taken on political dimensions, with some demonstrators calling for the fall of the Islamic Republic.

State media reported that a municipal building in Karaj was set ablaze, while doctors in Tehran confirmed at least 217 protester deaths in six hospitals, most showing gunshot wounds. Internet watchdog NetBlocks said Iran has imposed a nationwide blackout lasting more than 36 hours.