After facing internet disruptions in Iran, accurately depicting the ongoing protests from abroad has been challenging. However, with some communications restored on Tuesday, The Associated Press managed to reach individuals within the country who were observing and participating in the demonstrations.
The protests, which commenced slightly over two weeks ago, initially stemmed from frustration over Iran’s struggling economy and gradually shifted focus towards the theocracy, specifically targeting 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Recent images obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday from protests in Tehran displayed graffiti and chants advocating for Khamenei’s demise — an act punishable by death. Skylar Thompson from the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) informed AP that the newly reported death toll of over 2,000 individuals linked to the protests was alarming, surpassing the toll of the Mahsa Amini protests in 2022 by fourfold within just two weeks.
Thompson cautioned that the death toll is expected to increase further, stating, “We’re horrified, but we still believe the number is on the conservative side.” Later, HRANA updated the number of fatalities to at least 2,571.
Upon regaining communication with the outside world, Iranian witnesses described a heavy security presence in central Tehran, highlighting burnt government buildings and vandalized ATMs. Reza, a taxi driver who preferred to disclose only his first name, mentioned that the protests remain a prevalent topic of discussion among the populace, especially the youth, despite feelings of hopelessness.
While individuals in Tehran were able to contact the AP and converse with a journalist on Tuesday, the AP’s bureau in Dubai struggled to make return calls to those numbers. Witnesses noted that text messaging services were still inactive, and internet access in Iran was restricted to government-approved websites within the country.
Witnesses detailed a heavily militarized environment, with anti-riot police officers equipped with helmets, body armor, batons, shields, shotguns, and tear-gas launchers stationed at major intersections. Additionally, members of the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij force, carrying firearms and batons, were observed alongside plainclothes security officials.
During the unrest, several banks and government establishments were set ablaze, impacting transaction operations due to the lack of internet connectivity. Despite this, shops in Tehran remained open with minimal foot traffic. Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, where the protests originated on December 28 due to the rial currency collapse, resumed operations on Tuesday.
The witnesses, fearing potential repercussions, spoke anonymously about the unfolding events, including confrontations between civilians and plainclothes security personnel on the streets. Concerns loomed about the future, with speculations about possible U.S. intervention following President Donald Trump’s remarks regarding the Iranian government’s crackdown on protestors.
Furthermore, security forces reportedly conducted searches for Starlink terminals in northern Tehran, leading to raids on apartment buildings with satellite dishes. Late Tuesday, an activist based in Los Angeles revealed that Starlink was providing free internet service in Iran effective Wednesday morning, a development corroborated by other activists online.
In a statement broadcasted by state TV, Ayatollah Khamenei commended the vast turnout at pro-government rallies nationwide on Monday as a warning to American politicians. The demonstrators voiced anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiments, underscoring their allegiance to the Iranian nation in defiance of perceived external threats.