Iran Protests Spark Internet Blackout as Trump Issues Stark Warning Amid Nationwide Unrest
- Protests in Iran have resulted in the deaths of 62 people, including 48 demonstrators, with the government responding by shutting down internet and phone lines.
- US President Donald Trump has warned Iran’s leaders, stating “You better not start shooting because we’ll start shooting too,” while also playing down support for exiled monarchists.
- Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has accused protesters of acting on behalf of opposition groups abroad and the US, and a public prosecutor has threatened death sentences for those committing sabotage or engaging in clashes with security forces.
- The protests pose a significant challenge to Iran’s clerical rulers, with the economy in dire straits and inflation topping 40% in December.
- The international community has condemned the killing of protesters, with the leaders of France, Britain, and Germany issuing a joint statement urging the Iranian authorities to restrain from violence.
DUBAI, Jan 9 – The situation in Iran continues to deteriorate as anti-government protests rage across the country, with the government responding by shutting down internet and phone lines. The protests, which began on December 28, have resulted in the deaths of 62 people, including 48 demonstrators.
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran’s leaders, stating “You better not start shooting because we’ll start shooting too.” However, he has also played down support for exiled monarchists, indicating that he is waiting to see how the crisis plays out before backing an opposition leader.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has accused protesters of acting on behalf of opposition groups abroad and the US. A public prosecutor has threatened death sentences for those committing sabotage or engaging in clashes with security forces.
The protests pose a significant challenge to Iran’s clerical rulers, with the economy in dire straits and inflation topping 40% in December. The initial protests focused on the economy, but have since morphed to include slogans aimed directly at the authorities.
The international community has condemned the killing of protesters, with the leaders of France, Britain, and Germany issuing a joint statement urging the Iranian authorities to restrain from violence. The United Nations has also expressed concern over the situation, with a spokesperson stating that people have a right to demonstrate peacefully and that governments have a responsibility to protect that right.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the Iranian government is facing a significant crisis. The shutdown of internet and phone lines has reduced the flow of information out of the country, making it difficult to determine the full extent of the protests and the government’s response.
In my opinion as a reporter, the situation in Iran is a complex and multifaceted one, with deep-seated economic and political issues driving the protests. The government’s response, including the shutdown of internet and phone lines, is likely to exacerbate the situation and lead to further violence. The international community must continue to condemn the killing of protesters and urge the Iranian authorities to restrain from violence, while also supporting the rights of the Iranian people to demonstrate peacefully and express their grievances. Ultimately, a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the crisis is the only way to ensure the stability and security of the region.
