Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated on Monday that the uprising against the regime is “now fully under control” despite thousands of civilians possibly being killed by security forces.
Death toll estimates widely vary. The Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) reported that, in just two weeks, 496 protesters and 48 members of the Iranian security forces have died, with around 10,600 individuals detained.
The Iranian Human Rights Organization (IHR), based in Norway, mentioned “unconfirmed reports” suggesting that the death toll might exceed 2,000 since the current administration took charge. A communications blackout has hampered the monitoring of the situation, although some videos revealed disturbing images of numerous bodies. Iranian doctors with connections to the outside world indicated that hospitals across various cities are overwhelmed with casualties.
State media in Iran noted that the number of security forces killed is significantly higher than what external reports suggest, claiming at least 121 police officers have died but not disclosing the number of demonstrators killed or injured.
CBS News showcased a widely circulated video that displayed many bodies wrapped in black bags outside a morgue in Kafrizak, with civilians grieving and searching for their loved ones.
Oddly, it seems the administration might want this particular footage to be viewed, perhaps to portray sympathy for the protesters while asserting that the violence is instigated by extremists influenced by support from the West.
“The situation is now completely under control,” Araghchi told diplomats during a meeting.
Ambassadors from Italy, Germany, France, and Great Britain were summoned by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, which communicated that public support for the protests from other governments is viewed as “unacceptable interference in its internal security.”
Araghchi emphasized the regime’s perspective, asserting that while some demonstrators are innocent individuals with valid complaints, others are violent agitators “instigated by foreign forces.” He vowed that security forces would actively pursue these agitators.
Additionally, Araghchi claimed that 53 mosques and 180 ambulances were set ablaze during the protests, asserting that “true Iranians do not attack mosques.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian similarly accused the United States and Israel of inciting chaos by sending “rioters and terrorists” into Iranian cities.
Pezeshkian stated, “The U.S. and Israel are orchestrating these actions, leading to destruction and suffering, all while offering empty promises of support.”
He further urged families to protect youth from associating with potentially violent groups while acknowledging the need for protests and addressing concerns to foster unity in finding solutions.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baghel Qalibaf, a defender of theocratic governance, characterized the government’s response as a “war on terrorists” in a broader fight against the U.S. and Israel.
He warned the U.S. against miscalculations should it choose to intervene on behalf of demonstrators, declaring that any attack on Iran would result in military actions targeting U.S. forces and interests.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed shock at reports of excessive violence against demonstrators by Iranian authorities, advocating for the peaceful expression of grievances and urging respect for rights enshrined in international law.
Guterres called for the Iranian authorities to exercise restraint in their approach to protesters and to promptly restore communication services.
