Iran Gripped by Violence: Vandalism in Several Cities, Mosques and Hospitals Damaged, 217 Killed

Tehran, January 10 (Agency): According to the American magazine Time, violent protests against inflation in Iran have spiraled out of control. Acts of vandalism have been reported in several cities, with mosques and hospitals damaged, and 217 people killed.

Anti-government protests in Iran intensified further since last night, with severe clashes erupting between demonstrators and security forces in various cities. During the protests, demonstrators carried out widespread vandalism in multiple areas.

Protesters reportedly damaged 26 banks, 25 mosques, two hospitals, and 48 fire trucks. Government buildings and police stations were also attacked, resulting in injuries to several security personnel.

Those involved in the violent protests also attacked ambulances and set buses and civilians’ vehicles on fire. Security forces have so far arrested approximately 2,500 people, while internet services remain suspended.

Speaking to Time magazine on condition of anonymity, a doctor in Tehran said that deaths of 217 protesters had been confirmed in just six hospitals in the capital alone, with most victims killed by gunfire. However, Iranian authorities have not yet officially confirmed the death toll.

According to the American magazine, the Washington, D.C.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that at least 63 people have been killed so far, including 49 civilians.

Iranian media has released a video from Kermanshah showing armed unrest during protests, in which masked individuals can be seen firing weapons.

Khamenei: Rioters Want to Please Trump by Damaging Property

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that the United States’ hands are stained with Iranian blood, and that some rioters are damaging public property to please former U.S. President Donald Trump. He stated unequivocally that Iran will not tolerate mercenaries.

Ayatollah Khamenei urged Iranians to maintain unity and sent a message to the U.S. president, advising him to focus on his own country’s problems.

Iran Calls on UN to Prevent Foreign Interference

Iran has urged the United Nations to safeguard state sovereignty and prevent foreign interference. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said that U.S. statements on Iran’s internal affairs constitute interference and deception.

Iran has written to the UN Security Council rejecting U.S. actions, stating that American measures are spreading instability in the region.

Foreign Elements Turned Protests Violent: Iranian Ambassador

Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghaddam, said that foreign-backed elements attempted to divert the protests toward violence. He added that foreign interference is against the principles of state sovereignty, and that Iran has faced conspiracies many times in its history and emerged successful each time.

The Iranian ambassador said that the majority of the Iranian people stand with the state and security institutions, and that the Iranian nation will foil every conspiracy in support of its civilization and leadership.