Jan 11, Kathmandu - Security forces have issued a stark warning as anti-government protests in Iran intensify. Hospitals in Tehran and other cities are under severe pressure as the number of injured rises. According to two hospital staff who spoke to the BBC, Tehran's main eye hospital, Farabi, is in "crisis mode". According to a doctor of the hospital, at least 217 people have died in the capital Tehran alone.

Another hospital staff said there were not enough surgeons to treat the many injured. The internet has been almost completely shut down across Iran since Thursday evening amid protests that have spread to dozens of cities across the country. This has made it difficult to gather accurate information about the incident, according to international media. However, an Iranian doctor contacted the BBC via Starlink satellite internet and said that the emergency services were under unbearable pressure.

Non-essential surgeries have been postponed and additional medical staff have been deployed. Video and audio messages from a hospital in the southwestern city of Shiraz also claimed that a large number of injured people were being brought in, with many shot in the head and eyes. According to different human rights organizations, at least 50 protesters and 15 security personnel have been killed since the protests began.

More than 2,300 people have been arrested. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights organization said at least 51 protesters, including nine children, were killed, while BBC Persian confirmed 26 deaths. International concern has also grown. UN Secretary-General’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric expressed deep concern over the loss of life and property and urged respect for the right to peaceful protest.

The leaders of France, Britain and Germany issued a joint statement calling on Iranian authorities to ensure freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterated his tough stance in a televised address, warning that “destructive elements will be dealt with harshly.” The Supreme National Security Council and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have also described the protesters as “armed rioters” and have made it clear that decisive legal action will be taken.

On the other hand, the US has said it is closely monitoring the situation in Iran. President Donald Trump has said that Iran is in “big trouble” and has warned of a strong response if violence escalates. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed his “support for the Iranian people” on social media. However, Iranian political activist Taghi Rahmani has expressed doubts about foreign support, saying that external interference could undermine the movement’s credibility. Analysts say that while the current protests are wider and more intense than ever, their future looks uncertain due to the lack of organized leadership.