Members of the Iranian police attend a pro-government rally in Tehran, Iran, January 12, 2026. File Image/WANA via Reuters
Explainers
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Firstpost13-01-2026, 11:35

Iran Silences Dissent with Deadly Force, Internet Blackout Amid Widespread Protests

  • Iran faces its most serious internal crisis since 1979, with protests across all 31 provinces challenging clerical leadership.
  • Security forces have responded with lethal force, leading to hundreds killed and thousands arrested; the government blames foreign-backed "terrorists."
  • A nationwide internet blackout, described as an "internet kill switch," has been imposed to restrict information flow, severely limiting online access.
  • Leaked videos from Kahrizak Forensic Medical Center show makeshift morgues filled with body bags, indicating a high death toll.
  • US President Donald Trump has warned of military action and new trade penalties, while Iran warns against intervention, threatening US bases and Israel.

Why It Matters: Iran is brutally suppressing widespread protests with deadly force and internet blackouts, drawing international condemnation.

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