Iran security personnel and Trump feature at the centre of a violent crackdown that has left scores dead and thousands detained, rights monitors say, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The unrest began over rising living costs and spread quickly across provinces, putting hospitals under severe strain.
Human rights agency HRANA recorded 65 deaths by January 9, noting that the figure included roughly 50 protesters and about 15 members of security forces. At the same time, Norway-based Hengaw reported that more than 2500 people were arrested over the previous two weeks.
These figures underline the scale of the confrontation.
#Iran: Reports of violence during nationwide protests, including deaths and destruction of property are deeply worrying. The right to peaceful protest must be protected, those responsible for any violations must be held to account.
➡️ https://t.co/8BYvAuv3O5 pic.twitter.com/h9F1BOuKak
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) January 9, 2026
US President Donald Trump warned Tehran he would respond if forces shot peaceful demonstrators, saying: ‘If they start killing people … we are going to hit them very hard.’ His remarks added an international dimension to the crisis (Reuters).
The Guardian reports a young protester describing the streets full of fear and loss, saying: ‘They are killing us. They are showing no mercy.’ Families report that some wounded avoid hospitals for fear of arrest. The human cost is clear in homes and clinics across the country.
International rights groups are calling for independent investigations and safe access for medical teams as tensions remain high and ordinary people seek protection.
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