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Protests against the regime in Iran: counter-demonstrations and crackdown continue

State media shows support for the Ayatollahs in Tehran as the death toll rises. Arrests and zero-tolerance warnings target demonstrators

The third week of protests against the regime in Iran continues amid increasing repression and government propaganda. Today, Monday, January 12, state television broadcast thousands of people participating in a counter-demonstration in Tehran’s Enghelab Square, also known as Revolution Square, waving the Islamic Republic flag and offering prayers for the victims of the so-called “unrest.”

According to Press TV, the pro-regime demonstration in Tehran also included President Masoud Pezeshkian. Similar rallies are reportedly taking place in other Iranian cities.

Meanwhile, the death toll from the protests continues to rise. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana), based in the United States, reports 572 confirmed deaths, including 503 protesters and 69 security forces members. Hrana also states that more than 10,600 people have been arrested since the protests began. The organization compiles its data through a network of supporters in Iran who verify information on the ground.

The Iranian government maintains a hardline stance. Chief Justice Mohsen Ejei wrote on X that there will be zero tolerance for anyone inciting protests against the regime or provoking individuals with ambiguous statements.

Authorities have also summoned the ambassadors from Italy, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom to protest European support for the anti-government demonstrations. According to the BBC, the diplomats were shown footage of the protests, which Iranian authorities described as violent incidents exceeding peaceful assembly. The Foreign Ministry emphasized that any political or media support for the protests constitutes interference in Iran’s internal affairs.

On the international front, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contacted White House envoy Steve Witkoff, in what appears to be an effort to de-escalate tensions, amid President Donald Trump’s threats of possible military intervention in support of protesters. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump “has shown no hesitation to use military options if necessary.”

The direct contact between Araghchi and Witkoff indicates that a communication channel between the United States and Iran remains open, despite stalled nuclear negotiations and the ongoing tensions caused by the protests against the regime in Iran. Discussions included the possibility of a meeting in the coming days.

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