Iran Protests Intensify as Army Issues Warning and Trump Signals Possible Military Action

New Delhi: The Iran protests intensify further as large-scale demonstrations swept across the country for the 14th consecutive day, marking one of the most serious challenges to the Iranian government in years. As unrest expanded across major cities, the Iranian military announced that it would move to protect strategic infrastructure and public property, signalling a tougher stance as authorities attempt to suppress the growing protest movement.

The military’s statement came shortly after US President Donald Trump issued a renewed warning to Iran’s leadership, reiterating that he could order military strikes if the situation escalates further.

Iran Protests Intensify Across Major Cities

Large street demonstrations were reported in several key urban centres, including the capital Tehran and Iran’s second-most populous city, Mashhad. State media reported that a municipal building was set ablaze in Karaj, located west of Tehran, highlighting the growing scale of unrest.

Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani said violence during protests on Thursday night resulted in more than 50 banks and several government buildings being torched. He also claimed that over 30 mosques were set on fire, underscoring the severity of the disturbances unfolding across the capital and surrounding areas.

Casualties, Arrests and Human Rights Concerns

Human rights organisations have reported a rising death toll as security forces intensify their response. Iranian rights group HRANA said it had documented at least 65 deaths as of January 9, including 50 protesters and 15 members of the security forces. Meanwhile, Norway-based group Hengaw claimed that more than 2,500 people have been arrested nationwide over the past two weeks.

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Footage circulating widely on social media showed crowds gathering in central districts of several cities. In Tehran’s Sadatabad neighbourhood, residents were seen banging pots from balconies and chanting anti-government slogans late into the night, reflecting growing public anger and defiance.

Hospitals Overwhelmed as Crackdown Intensifies

The Centre for Human Rights in Iran, based in New York, said it received credible eyewitness reports indicating that hospitals in Tehran, Mashhad and Karaj were overwhelmed with injured demonstrators. According to the organisation, medical facilities are struggling to cope with the influx of patients amid ongoing clashes.

Meanwhile, Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei vowed that authorities would not retreat in the face of the rapidly expanding protest movement. His remarks signalled an intensified crackdown, raising fears of further violence in the days ahead.

Protests have erupted in cities and towns across Iran, posing a significant threat to the ruling establishment, which analysts say has been considerably weakened since the last major wave of demonstrations in 2022. As tensions continue to rise, the situation remains volatile, with no immediate signs of de-escalation.