A US-based human rights organization, Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), reported on Sunday, January 11, that more than 500 people have been killed in ongoing anti-government protests across Iran. The agency said it verified information from its workers inside and outside the country, confirming the deaths of 490 protesters and 48 security personnel over the past two weeks. HRANA also claimed that more than 10,600 people have been arrested during the unrest.

The protests began on December 28 in response to rising commodity prices and quickly escalated into a widespread anti-government movement, described as the largest since 2022. The Iranian government has accused the United States and Israel of fueling the demonstrations. Meanwhile, the US has expressed support for the protesters, with President Donald Trump warning that Washington might intervene if excessive force is used. Tehran has cautioned that any US attack would be met with a strong response.

Iran has not released official casualty figures, and Reuters reported that it could not independently verify HRANA’s claims. The government has also restricted nearly all internet services since Thursday, making it difficult to obtain reliable information from within the country.

Iran has issued a stern warning to the United States against any form of military intervention, threatening to attack all American bases across the Middle East. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that if the U.S. takes military action against the Islamic Republic, Tehran will immediately strike Israeli and American military and naval bases in the region. He emphasized that Iran would respond instantly to any perceived threat, identifying U.S. and Israeli installations as primary targets.

The warning followed reports that U.S. President Donald Trump was preparing to express support for ongoing protests in Iran. In response, Israel has reportedly placed its forces on high alert amid fears of a potential U.S. strike on Iran. Meanwhile, Iranian security forces have been accused of using harsh measures to suppress the protests, with reports of casualties over the past two days and widespread internet disruptions across the country.

The situation underscores escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, with regional security on edge as both sides brace for possible confrontation.

Researchers have identified a large and organized digital propaganda network operating behind Iran’s ongoing protests. The joint investigation by the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab and Israeli media outlets The Marker and Haaretz revealed that the operation allegedly uses artificial intelligence technology and is indirectly funded by the Israeli government. The campaign’s stated goal is to promote monarchist sentiment among Iranians and destabilize the current regime.

According to the findings, the network has been spreading provocative content aimed at reinstating exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. It was most active during the attack on Tehran’s Evin Prison, when thousands of fake social media accounts circulated explosion reports and AI-generated deepfake videos before Iranian media coverage. The network also encouraged acts like bank robberies and prison breaks. Citizen Lab noted that the timing of these campaigns coincided with Israeli military operations.

Researchers warned that such unethical digital operations by democratic states could further threaten long-term stability in the Middle East, even as they appear to strengthen Iran’s ruling government domestically.

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.

Iran’s state media reported on Sunday that more than 100 members of the country’s security forces have been killed during nationwide protests over a worsening economic crisis. State television said 30 officers were killed in Isfahan province and six in Kermanshah, while the Tasnim news agency put the total death toll among security personnel at 109. A Red Crescent staff member was also killed in Gorgan, and a mosque was set on fire in Mashhad. The Ministry of Interior said the unrest was beginning to subside, though the attorney general warned that those involved could face the death penalty.

The protests, which began in late December, have become the largest in Iran since the 2022–23 demonstrations following Mahsa Amini’s death. President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of inciting “riots,” while parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that any US attack would trigger retaliatory strikes on Israel and American bases. US President Donald Trump said Washington was “ready to help” protesters and threatened to hit Iran “very hard.”

Authorities have imposed a nationwide internet blackout lasting more than 60 hours, and human rights groups report at least 51 protesters, including nine children, killed by security forces.

Iran has warned that it will target US military bases and naval vessels if the United States launches a new military attack. The warning came from Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who said during a Sunday parliamentary session that any US military action would make American bases and transport centers legitimate targets. His remarks were broadcast on state television, where he also made indirect references to Israel.

Ghalibaf’s statement comes amid ongoing anti-government protests in Iran and heightened regional tensions. Analysts cited in the report view his comments as a strong message to the United States and its allies, suggesting that the situation could escalate further if hostilities continue.

The warning underscores the fragile state of regional security as domestic unrest and international friction converge, raising concerns about potential military escalation in the Middle East.

Several major international airlines have suspended operations to and from Iran as anti-government protests intensify across the country. On Saturday, January 10, Lufthansa, Flydubai, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Austrian Airlines announced the suspension of their services, citing safety risks. Dubai airport authorities confirmed that Flydubai alone canceled at least 17 flights to Tehran, Shiraz, and Mashhad, while Emirates and Oman Air also halted operations. Turkish Airlines suspended 17 flights to Tehran and Tabriz, with its subsidiary A-Jet following suit.

The unrest began on December 28 over the devaluation of the Iranian rial and has since evolved into a broader movement demanding government change. Airlines said they are closely monitoring the situation and have taken these measures to ensure passenger safety. Human rights group Iran Human Rights reported that at least 50 protesters, including children, have been killed in security crackdowns, and hundreds have been detained.

Due to ongoing violence, communication disruptions, and instability, international carriers have decided to keep their services to Iran suspended until further notice.

Widespread anti-government protests in Iran have turned violent, leaving hospitals across the country overwhelmed with casualties. Doctors from several hospitals told the BBC that they are struggling to treat the large number of wounded and dead, many suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and chest. In Rasht, one hospital reportedly received 70 bodies in a single night, forcing staff to stack corpses due to lack of space. Most victims are young, aged between 20 and 25. Internet access has been largely cut off, making it difficult to verify information.

The protests began two weeks ago as peaceful demonstrations against Iran’s economic crisis, currency devaluation, and rising prices but have since spread to all provinces and turned violent. Security forces have used live ammunition and rubber bullets, with reports of protesters losing their eyesight from shotgun fire. The Iranian government accuses the United States of inciting unrest, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed not to back down.

The United States, European Union, and United Nations have condemned the violent crackdown and urged Iran to respect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Mass anti-government protests continued across Tehran on Saturday night despite an almost complete internet shutdown, according to AFP. The demonstrations, which began two weeks earlier over economic hardship, have evolved into calls for the overthrow of Iran’s religious leadership. Authorities have blamed the United States for inciting unrest, while human rights groups report dozens killed and warn of escalating violence. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks confirmed that connectivity in Iran has been nearly nonexistent since Thursday.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that his country is ready to support the movement, while reports indicate he has been briefed on possible military options against Iran. Former crown prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to organize and seize control of key urban centers. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused protesters of acting under Trump’s direction. Amnesty International and Iran Human Rights reported alarming use of lethal force, with at least 51 deaths confirmed.

The Iranian army vowed to act firmly against those disrupting order, as the EU and other world leaders called for restraint. Residents in Tehran described daily life paralyzed by the blackout, saying they are prepared to endure hardship until victory.

US President Donald Trump is seriously considering the possibility of a military operation against Iran as the country faces a violent crackdown on ongoing anti-government protests. According to multiple US officials, Trump has already been briefed on potential strategies and targets for a possible strike. The New York Times reported that while no final decision has been made, Trump is weighing the option of ordering military action. An unnamed US official said several plans have been presented, including scenarios that could involve civilian sites. The Wall Street Journal earlier noted that large-scale airstrikes could target Iran’s military infrastructure if the president gives the order.

Meanwhile, Iranian security forces continue to suppress the protests with increasing force. After violence peaked on Thursday night, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets again on Friday and Saturday. Reports allege indiscriminate gunfire against protesters. Hospital staff told the BBC that facilities are overwhelmed with casualties, with one Tehran doctor describing targeted shootings at young people’s heads and chests. At least 14 members of the security forces have also been reported killed.

The escalating unrest and potential US response have raised regional tensions, with Israel reportedly on high alert over possible developments.

Iran’s government has declared anti-government protesters as 'enemies of God' and warned that those participating in or aiding the demonstrations could face the death penalty. The announcement came on Saturday from Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad’s office, citing Article 186 of the Iranian constitution. The statement, broadcast on state television, said that even individuals who assist the so-called rioters would face the same charges.

According to Article 186, any group opposing the Islamic Republic through armed resistance, and anyone knowingly supporting such groups, can be deemed 'mohareb' or 'enemy of God', even if they do not directly engage in armed activity. The declaration follows nearly two weeks of widespread anti-government protests across Iran, which have intensified over time.

Footage sent to Iran International from Kahrizak, south of Tehran, reportedly shows multiple bodies in body bags. Eyewitnesses described seeing dozens of dead bodies at the site and more inside a nearby industrial shed, with two witnesses reporting over forty bodies while searching for their relatives.

Iran has been gripped by continuous protests that began in late December, sparked by the sharp devaluation of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions. Demonstrations first erupted near Tehran’s Grand Bazaar on December 28 and later spread to multiple cities. Security forces have taken a hardline stance to suppress the unrest.

Amid the turmoil, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform Truth Social that the United States is ready to help Iranian protesters, describing Iran as being on the verge of unprecedented freedom. Earlier, Trump warned that Iran was in serious trouble due to growing instability and urged Iranian authorities not to use lethal force against demonstrators. Washington, he said, is closely monitoring the situation.

In response, the Iranian government accused the United States and Israel of fueling the unrest. Officials warned that the security forces and judiciary would show no tolerance toward those involved in sabotage or violence.

Exiled opposition leader Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s deposed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, praised the ongoing protests in Iran on Friday and called for larger demonstrations over the weekend. In a social media video message, he urged Iranians to move beyond street rallies and organize to seize and hold city centers. Pahlavi said he was preparing to return to Iran, believing that change was now very close.

Human rights activists warned that the Iranian government might shut down the internet to conceal its crackdown. According to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights organization, at least 51 people have been killed so far. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi cautioned that security forces could prepare for mass killings under communication blackouts.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced the protesters as vandals and insisted the Islamic Republic would not retreat, blaming the United States for the unrest. U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned possible new military actions against Iran, further heightening tensions.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced a hardline stance against the ongoing nationwide protests, declaring the protection of national security and the 1979 Islamic Revolution’s achievements as a “red line” that cannot be crossed. In a statement broadcast on state television on Saturday, the IRGC accused “terrorists and rioters” of attacking military and law enforcement bases, setting fire to public and government property, and killing several security personnel and civilians. The Iranian army, operating separately under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also vowed to use maximum force to defend national interests and infrastructure.

The protests, spreading for two weeks across Iranian cities, began over inflation and economic hardship but quickly turned political, with demonstrators calling for an end to religious rule. State media reported arson at a municipal building in Karaj and funerals for slain security members in Shiraz, Qom, and Hamedan. Human rights group HRANA said at least 65 people, including 50 protesters and 15 security forces, have been killed, while over 2,500 have been arrested.

US President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iranian leaders, expressing support for the “brave people of Iran.” Leaders of France, Britain, and Germany jointly condemned the killings and urged Iranian authorities to refrain from violence.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed support for anti-government protesters in Iran on Saturday through a post on the microblogging platform X, stating that the United States stands with the Iranian people. His statement followed a warning from President Donald Trump on Friday directed at Iran’s leaders, cautioning them against initiating violence.

The ongoing anti-government demonstrations in Iran have intensified tensions across the country. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) indicated that it may take strict measures if necessary to restore order, asserting that the current instability would not be allowed to persist. Earlier, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had said that the government would not hesitate to act against those involved in destructive activities, a remark that sparked renewed debate over the role of security forces.

The combination of US statements and Iran’s internal warnings underscores a deepening standoff, with both domestic and international attention focused on how Tehran will respond to the protests.