Iran remains “ablaze” for yet another day as demonstrations continue and social outrage persists while the Iranian regime insists on its methods of suppression. The data regarding the death toll is extremely concerning. The US-based human rights activist group HRANA announced it has confirmed the deaths of 2,003 people who lost their lives during the unrest, including 1,850 protesters, 135 government-linked individuals, nine people under 18 years old, and nine citizens who did not participate in demonstrations.
The Norway-based non-governmental organization Iran Human Rights (IHR) announced today that at least 734 protesters have been killed in Iran since the start of the anti-government protest movement. However, it adds that the actual death toll could reach thousands. IHR “continues to receive reports of thousands of deaths in various cities and provinces across Iran” following more than two weeks of demonstrations, the organization states in its announcement.
Iran: Trump’s messages and intervention scenarios
The US President sent a message of support to Iranian protesters earlier through a post on Truth Social, assuring them that “the murderers will pay dearly.” Meanwhile, Trump previewed developments for the country in turmoil, while paraphrasing the famous American slogan “Make America Great Again – MAGA,” he noted “Make Iran Great Again – MIGA.”
Trump: “Continue the protests, take over your institutions”
“Iranian patriots, CONTINUE THE PROTESTS – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Record the names of the murderers and torturers. They will pay a heavy price. I have canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killings of protesters STOP. HELP IS COMING. MIGA (Make Iran Great Again)!!!” the American President wrote characteristically.
It should be noted that on Saturday 10/01, the American President stated that Washington “is ready to help,” while Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a long-time critic of the Iranian regime, said that “the Iranian people’s long nightmare will soon end.” Notably, the American President has been briefed in recent days on new military strike options against Iran, as he considers implementing his threat to attack the country due to the suppression of demonstrations, according to multiple US officials with knowledge of the matter.
Trump announced 25% tariffs on any country trading with Iran
The American President (who earlier announced 25% tariffs on any countries trading with Tehran) has been briefed in recent days on new military strike options against Iran, as he considers implementing his threat to attack the country due to the suppression of demonstrations, according to multiple US officials with knowledge of the matter.
Long-range missile attacks remain an option for a potential US intervention, but Pentagon officials have also presented cyber operations and psychological campaigns, according to sources.
Trump’s national security team is expected to hold a meeting at the White House later today to discuss options for Iran, according to sources, though it’s unclear whether the President himself will attend. According to reports, Benjamin Netanyahu will hold a similar meeting with Israel’s National Security Council.
The US President had stated in previous days that his military is considering “very strong options” to intervene if more protesters are killed. Trump said Iranian leaders called him “for negotiations,” but added that the US “may need to act before the meeting.”
