Tehran, Iran, 04 January (H.S.): Out of Iran's 31 provinces, 25 stand engulfed in unrest, with protests against inflation and Supreme Leader Khamenei raging across at least 60 cities at 174 locations for seven straight days, resulting in 16 deaths from fierce clashes between demonstrators and security forces—15 protesters and one security personnel.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in his first address since the disturbances erupted on Saturday, branded the protesters rioters and summoned forces to crush the movement sweeping the nation.

Nationwide Fury Intensifies

Iran International, citing the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), reports that seven days of countrywide protests have claimed at least 15 demonstrators and one security member, spanning 25 of 31 provinces across 60 cities with 174 sites of demonstrations, strikes, or gatherings.

Authorities have detained at least 582 protesters, including a large number of minors, while Iranian forces' gunfire has wounded at least 44 individuals during the unrest.

Leader's Crackdown Directive

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, addressing the upheaval for the first time publicly on Saturday since unrest began, labeled demonstrators rioters and called for their suppression. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz affirmed that the United States and President Donald Trump stand firmly with freedom-loving Iranians.

United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran Mai Sato urged Iranian officials to honor freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly while refraining from excessive force against protesters.

Capital Reignites

After two days of relative calm in the capital, protesters surged onto streets in Tehran's eastern and western districts Friday night. Similar opposition flared in sacred cities Mashhad and Qom.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar