Amid escalating anti-government protests across Iran, hospital officials have reported that facilities are overwhelmed with injured individuals, many of whom have sustained gunshot wounds. This situation is particularly concerning at Tehran’s Farabi Hospital, which specializes in ophthalmology. Doctors disclosed to the BBC that they have entered crisis mode, halting emergency services and ceasing the admission of non-urgent patients.
In the city of Shiraz, a doctor revealed that they are struggling to manage the influx of injured patients due to a shortage of surgeons. Many suffering from severe injuries include those with shots to the head and eyes, leading to a grim outlook for medical support.
As of Saturday, reports indicate at least 72 fatalities and over 2,300 arrests related to the protests, according to the US-based Human Rights Defenders News Agency.
The demonstrations began late last month, initially driven by shopkeepers protesting rising inflation and the significant depreciation of the rial, which lost about half its value against the dollar last year. Inflation had already surpassed 40% by December. The unrest soon expanded to universities and local neighborhoods, where clashes with security forces intensified.
During a press conference in Washington, D.C., President Trump remarked on the mounting pressure Iran is experiencing. He stated, “Iran is in great trouble,” noting that people have begun to take control of cities that seemed out of reach just weeks ago. The U.S. administration is closely monitoring the developments.
Trump warned of a strong response should the situation escalate into large-scale violence, emphasizing a tactical approach to “hit it hard where it hurts,” without necessarily deploying military personnel on the ground.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has hinted at a forthcoming crackdown despite international warnings. On Saturday, Iran’s Attorney General, Mohammad Mobahedi Azad, escalated threats, asserting that participants in the protests would be considered “enemies of God” and subject to severe penalties, including potential death sentences. A statement from state television insisted on strict legal measures against those who “aided the mob,” calling for decisive action against perceived threats to the state and public security.
In response, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed solidarity with the protesters, declaring, “The United States stands behind the brave Iranian people.”
