Tehran, Iran, 06 January (H.S.): Protests have intensified across Iran, with unrest reported in 27 provinces and at least 29 civilians killed and over 1,200 arrested in nine days of continuous demonstrations. The movement, initially sparked by rising inflation, has now directly challenged Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with public dissent spreading to the holy city of Qom.

According to Iran International, at least 257 locations in 88 cities are experiencing unrest.Reports from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency confirm that seven demonstrators were killed in the past 24 hours alone, with fatalities reported in Ajna, Marv Dasht, and Korveh.

The total death toll includes two security personnel. At least 64 protesters have been injured in clashes.Students have joined the protests, with demonstrations recorded at 17 universities. Authorities have arrested at least 1,203 people, with mass detentions in Bojnourd, Qazvin, Isfahan, Tehran, and Babol.

The government has imposed severe internet restrictions and limited access to independent sources, further intensifying the crackdown.Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused the United States and Israel on Monday of interfering in Iran’s internal affairs and inciting violence.

Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, urged calm on Monday, stating that the Islamic system would give misguided individuals a chance to abandon violence. He called on peaceful citizens to distance themselves from rioters and promised that protesters’ and critics’ concerns would be heard.

However, he also warned that rioters would be dealt with firmly, instructing prosecutors nationwide to act decisively and in accordance with the law against those involved in unrest and their supporters.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar