The ongoing protests in Iran have resulted in a staggering death toll that has now surpassed 2,500, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
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apnews.comwgal.comThis figure marks one of the highest casualties in recent Iranian history, reminiscent of the turmoil during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
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npr.orgapnews.comIn response to the escalating violence, US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to the Iranian government, stating that the United States may take "very strong action" if the regime proceeds with executions of protesters.Trump emphasized the need for the Iranian authorities to halt their violent crackdown on dissent, which has reportedly included the killing of peaceful demonstrators.
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nbcnews.comnpr.orgThe protests, which began in late December, were initially sparked by economic grievances, including the collapse of the Iranian rial.However, they quickly evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations targeting the ruling theocracy and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
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apnews.comwgal.comActivists have reported that the Iranian government has responded with unprecedented brutality, leading to a significant rise in the death toll, which includes at least 12 children and numerous civilians not involved in the protests.
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npr.orgwgal.comIran's judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, has indicated that the government plans to expedite trials and executions for those arrested during the protests.His comments were seen as a direct challenge to Trump's warnings, as he stated, "If we want to do something, we have to do it quickly".
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npr.orgtheguardian.comThis approach has raised alarms among human rights organizations, which fear that the Iranian government will resort to mass executions to quell dissent.Despite the Iranian government's efforts to suppress information, reports have emerged detailing the extent of the violence.Videos geolocated by news agencies have shown bodies piled outside makeshift morgues, highlighting the severity of the situation.The internet blackout imposed by the Iranian authorities has further complicated efforts to assess the true scale of the crackdown, with many Iranians unable to communicate with the outside world for days.
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nbcnews.comapnews.comIn light of the rising tensions, the US has begun evacuating troops from its largest air base in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base, as a precautionary measure against potential Iranian retaliation.This move reflects the heightened concerns over military action in the region, as Trump weighs both military and diplomatic options in response to the Iranian government's actions.
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nbcnews.comAs the situation continues to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring developments in Iran.French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has described the crackdown as potentially the most violent in Iran's contemporary history, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities against protesters.
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theguardian.comapnews.comThe Iranian government, however, has dismissed external criticisms, accusing the US of attempting to incite unrest and chaos within the country.Iranian officials have warned that any military intervention would be met with severe consequences, further escalating the already tense geopolitical landscape in the region.
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nbcnews.comnpr.orgAs the death toll continues to rise and the threat of executions looms, the future of the protests in Iran remains uncertain.Activists and citizens alike are left grappling with the harsh realities of a government determined to maintain its grip on power, even at the cost of countless lives.The world watches as the Iranian people continue to demand change amidst a backdrop of violence and repression.
