Iranians communicate with the outside world, describing scenes on the streets
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Since the internet is down in Iran, accurately showing shows from abroad has been difficult. But by returning some of the communications on Tuesday, The Associated Press was able to contact citizens who witnessed and participated in the protests.
The protests began a little more than two weeks ago in anger over Iran’s ailing economy and quickly focused on the democratic regime, especially 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Images obtained Tuesday by the Associated Press of the protests in Tehran showed graffiti and chants calling for Khamenei’s death – which could carry the death penalty.
Skylar Thompson, with the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) told AP that the new death toll linked to the protests of more than 2,000 people is shocking, especially since it has reached four times the protests that lasted for months Mahsa Amini in 2022 in just two weeks.
He warned that the number of people may still rise: “We are shocked, but we still think that the number is still conservative.”
Speaking by phone for the first time since their calls abroad were cut off, Iranian witnesses described a heavy security presence in central Tehran, burning government buildings and bank machines.
Reza, who is a self-proclaimed taxi driver, said that these protests are on the minds of many people. “People – especially young people – do not have hope, but they talk about continuing the protests,” he said.
The Iranians are reaching out, but the world can’t reach them
Several people in Tehran were able to call the AP on Tuesday and speak with a reporter, but the AP’s office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was unable to reach those numbers.
Witnesses say messages are still down, and Internet users in Iran can connect to government-approved websites locally but nothing abroad.
They described the scene as full of war: The police fought the violence wearing helmets and body armor with batons, shields, guns and explosives with tear gas, according to witnesses. Police officers stand guard at major intersections.
Nearby, eyewitnesses said they saw members of the Revolutionary Guard’s volunteer force, the Basij, carrying guns and batons. Security officers in uniform were seen in public places.
As anti-government protests continue in Iran, US President Donald Trump has said he is considering sanctions options.
Several banks and government offices were burned during the riots, witnesses said. Banks have struggled to complete transactions offline, they added.
Shops were open, although there was little walking in the capital. Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, where protests began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, reopened on Tuesday.
The witness explained that he spoke to many shop owners who said that the security forces ordered them to reopen no matter what. Iran’s state media did not acknowledge the order.
The witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity because they feared retribution.
It also emerged that security forces were searching for Starlink terminals, as people in northern Tehran reported that authorities had raided apartment buildings and satellite dishes. Although satellite television dishes are illegal, many in the capital have them at home, and officials have stopped enforcing the law in recent years.
On the streets, people could be seen challenging the plainclothes security officers, who were stopping passers-by.
Some say people are worried about what’s next, including the possibility of the US attacking after President Donald Trump’s threats to intervene in Iran over its attacks on protesters.
“My customers are talking about Trump’s reaction while wondering if he is planning a military strike against the Islamic Republic,” said shopkeeper Mahmoud, who gave his name only out of concern for his safety. “I don’t expect Trump or any other foreign country to care about the interests of the Iranian people.”
Pro-government protests
In a statement released by State TV, Khamenei praised the tens of thousands who took part in pro-government protests across the country on Monday.
“This was a warning to American politicians to stop lying, not to trust traitors,” he said. “The Iranian nation is strong and powerful and we know the enemy.”
State TV on Monday played chants from the crowd, which appeared to number in the tens of thousands. They chanted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” Others shouted: “Death to God’s enemies!”
