As demonstrations continue across Iran, medical personnel report that hospitals are becoming overwhelmed with a surge of injuries. A doctor from an eye hospital in Tehran has stated that the facility has entered crisis mode, revealing the severe strain on resources as numerous patients flood in.
On Friday, a medic from another hospital conveyed the alarming situation, indicating that the number of surgeons available was insufficient to manage the increasing influx of injured individuals. This comes amid rising tensions, as US President Donald Trump remarked that Iran was facing significant turmoil, cautioning against violent suppression of protests.
“You better not start shooting because we’ll start shooting too,” Trump warned.
The Iranian government has officially attributed the unrest to external influences, specifically blaming the United States for instigating what it refers to as “violent subversive acts and widespread vandalism” in a letter to the UN Security Council.
Protests and casualties
Protests have erupted in numerous cities, with reports from human rights organizations indicating that at least 50 protesters have lost their lives. The BBC, among other international news outlets, faces significant restrictions within Iran, notably amid a near-total internet blackout that commenced Thursday evening, complicating efforts to gather and confirm information.
A doctor, who reached out to the BBC via Starlink satellite internet, described the situation at Farabi Hospital, Tehran’s leading eye care facility. The emergency services there have been overwhelmed, leading to the suspension of non-urgent admissions and surgeries as staff are summoned to handle the escalating emergency cases.
Global reactions and internal dynamics
In a grim account from Shiraz, a medic shared a video message detailing the influx of injured patients, many of whom bore gunshot wounds. The Iranian Human Rights group has reported that 51 protesters, including nine children, have died since the protests began on December 28. Additionally, over 2,300 individuals have been arrested during this period.
UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed grave concern over the escalating violence, affirming that peaceful demonstration is a fundamental right that governments are obliged to protect.
“People anywhere in the world have a right to demonstrate peacefully, and governments have a responsibility to protect that right and to ensure that that right is respected,” Dujarric stated.
International leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have jointly urged Iranian authorities to respect the freedoms of expression and assembly.
In stark contrast, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reinforced his stance in a recent televised address, insisting that the Islamic Republic will not yield to those challenging its authority, stating, “The Islamic Republic came to power through the blood of several hundred thousand honourable people and it will not back down in the face of those who deny this.”
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, characterized the protests as “magnificent” and called for continued demonstrations, emphasizing the importance of organizing targeted efforts to seize control of city centers.
Former British ambassador to Iran, Sir Simon Gass, cautioned against premature discussions of regime change, underscoring the lack of a cohesive opposition movement within the country. However, he acknowledged that the current protests reflect a broader coalition of discontent among the populace, primarily driven by economic hardships.
As the situation unfolds, the US government has affirmed its support for Iranian citizens, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio declaring, “The United States supports the brave people of Iran.” Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have issued stern warnings against protesters, declaring that severe legal actions will be taken against those deemed to be inciting unrest.
The Iranian National Security Council labeled the demonstrators as “armed vandals” and is preparing to enact decisive measures to restore order, further intensifying the climate of tension and uncertainty within the nation.