Death Toll in Iran Protests Rises to 116 Amid Political Tensions and International Concerns
January 11, 202646 AufrufeLesezeit: 3 Minuten
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Iran is witnessing a significant escalation in protests that have persisted for approximately two weeks, marked by a rising death toll and increasing regional and international tensions. Below is a professional rewrite of the news suitable for electronic publication and search engines:
116 Fatalities Reported in Two Weeks of Protests
The U.S.-based human rights agency Hrana has reported that the death toll from the protests in Iran has reached 116. The agency noted that most of the deceased are demonstrators, along with 37 members of the security forces, reflecting the severity of the confrontations and the spread of unrest.
Funerals for Security Forces in Western Iran
In response, Iranian state television aired footage of funeral processions for security personnel who lost their lives during the protests in cities such as Jash Saran and Yasuj, aiming to underscore the extent of losses within the security forces.
Official Accusations of Exploiting Protests
Regarding the situation, Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, have claimed that certain groups have exploited the wave of protests to carry out what they describe as "terrorist acts," asserting that authorities will not hesitate to act against perceived threats to security and stability.
Trump Threatens Intervention as Washington Monitors Situation
On the international front, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened potential U.S. intervention if violence against demonstrators continues. He stated in a social media post that "Iran is seeking freedom, perhaps like never before," emphasizing that his country is "ready to help."
U.S.-Israel Discussions on Iran Situation
In this context, Reuters revealed a phone conversation between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which they discussed the situation in Iran amidst speculation about possible U.S. intervention. An American official confirmed the call but did not disclose details of the discussions.
U.S. Intelligence: A Long Struggle of Will
A senior U.S. intelligence official characterized the situation in Iran as "a game of long nerves," indicating that the opposition aims to maintain pressure until divisions occur within the ruling power, while authorities attempt to instill fear to clear the streets and prevent any pretext for external intervention.
Israel Monitors and Issues Warnings
Despite ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, Tel Aviv currently appears uninterested in direct intervention. In an interview with The Economist, Netanyahu warned of "terrible consequences" if Israel is attacked, adding that developments in Iran could shape the course of the upcoming phase.
A History of Suppressing Protests
It is worth noting that Iranian authorities have previously managed to quell similar waves of protests, including those in 2022 that erupted following the death of a young woman in custody of the morality police after being accused of violating dress codes.
