Iran Nation or Cause

“Iran protests abate after deadly crackdown, Trump says Tehran calls off mass hangings,” Reuters, 1-16-25.

“Who was behind Iran’s deadly crackdown?,” Iran International, 1-16-26.  “There remains no evidence that any force beyond the Iranian police and Revolutionary Guards [and the Quds Force] were behind the violence.”

This article, and others, shows why Iran International remains a leading source of news about the Regime.  “What Tehran means when it says protesters won’t be executed,” Iran International, 1-16-26.  “Tehran has rarely—perhaps never—executed individuals under the formal charge of participating in an illegal gathering. Under Iran’s Islamic Penal Code, that offense does not carry the death penalty and is typically punishable by imprisonment. In that narrow, technical sense, officials can plausibly claim that the state does not execute people for protesting. The distinction, however, lies in how protesters are subsequently defined. Across successive protest movements, Iranian authorities have routinely reframed demonstrations by dividing participants into shifting categories: first “peaceful protesters” and “rioters,” and more recently “vandals,” “saboteurs” and “terrorists.”  … Once a detainee is removed from the category of protester, prosecutors gain access to a separate set of charges—including moharebeh (warring against God), efsad-fel-arz (corruption on earth), terrorism, armed action or collaboration with hostile states—all of which can carry the death penalty. … In this way, the state’s claim that it does not execute protesters is technically consistent with its practice. Executions occur only after protest-related activity has been reclassified as a more serious offense. … The result is a system in which the boundary between lawful protest and criminal conduct is not defined in advance, but determined after the fact.”  This reminds us that definitions matter, and that when terrorist claim they don’t claim innocents such as women and children doesn’t matter because the terrorist can reclassify those persons as offenders or members of the wrong country and declare they are legitimate targets.

“Iran in limbo: What’s next for country under internet blackout?,” Al Jazeera, 1-16-26.

“Iran Protests Quelled Since Deadly Crackdown, Residents Say,” NYT, 1-16-26.  “There is massive disappointment and disillusionment,” said another resident, who worked in central Tehran and also spoke on the condition of anonymity. … There have been no large-scale protests documented in Iran since Sunday, according to Arina Moradi and Mina Khani, members of the Norway-based Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, which has been monitoring the demonstrations since they began. … An Israeli defense assessment found that the scale of protests had noticeably declined since Sunday, following the Iranian forces’ escalating use of live ammunition and the internet blackout….”

I put posts up that are helpful to hear, even if I may not agree with everything they say.  With that in mind, this author is one of the persons in the two most recent administrations who sided with step away.  “Iran and the Limits of American Power,” Foreign Affairs, 1-15-26.

“Iran reopens airspace after Trump says protest crackdown has eased,” MSN, 1-15-26.

“US says sanctions target ‘architects’ of protest crackdown,” Iran International, 1-15-26.  Well deserved.  “Among those sanctioned was [the Ayatollah’s] security chief Ali Larijani, with the treasury calling him “one of the first Iranian leaders to call for violence in response to the legitimate demands of the Iranian people.””

“Iran Backpedals on Executions Threat but Casts Protesters as ‘Terrorists’,” NYT, 1-15-26.

“Many Fiery Remarks, Little Clarity on What’s Next at Security Council Meeting on Iran,” NYT, 1-15-26.  This article lets the world see the Regime, and also its agent Iran’s deputy ambassador to the U.N., Gholamhossein Darzi.  He labeled protesters in Iran as terrorists, and denied that Iran had killed any of them (!).  Darzi also denounced the two credible and well-known opposition activists the U.S. invited to address the council, Masih Alinejad and Ahmad Batebi.

The U.S. President has apparently been successful in slowing the number of deaths.  “Trump reportedly informs Iran he does not intend to attack,” I24, 1-15-26.

“Trump Was Told Attack on Iran Wouldn’t Guarantee Collapse of Regime,” WSJ, 1-15-26.  “[T]he U.S. learned of Iranian plans to execute 800 people Wednesday, which didn’t happen.”

“Iran protests appear increasingly smothered after internet outage and regime’s crackdown,” NPR, 1-15-26.

“Kurdish opposition groups in Iran support protests, claim attacks on Tehran regime,” Long War Journal, 1-15-26.

“UK ambassador and all embassy staff evacuated from Iran,” Politico, 1-14-26.  ““The move came shortly after the U.S. ordered the evacuation of some personnel from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, its largest base in the Middle East, which hosts 10,000 U.S. troops. A former U.S. official familiar with the situation said aircraft had also been moved. … Britain’s envoy to Iran was summoned alongside European diplomats on Monday to a fractious meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, European officials said. In turn, Britain’s Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer summoned Iran’s Ambassador to London for a meeting Tuesday. [I imagine Iran insisted that these countries stop making comments in support of the protesters, and that the ambassadors insisted Iran stop shooting its citizens!].  Speaking to POLITICO on a tour of Finland and Norway — before the evacuation was public — U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper praised Tehran’s “brave protesters, especially for women to be out protesting, who are facing such huge repression in their daily lives.” With some protesters facing execution, she said: “Iran needs to understand the whole world is watching, and they need to end this violence. The idea that they would escalate the violence further with these executions is absolutely horrific.””

“Iranians arrive in Turkey through border gate as crackdown persists,” JPost, 1-14-26.

There is spillover from the Regime killing its citizens besides people fleeing.  “Saudi Arabia tells Iran its land, airspace won’t be used in strike: Sources,” Al Arabiya, 1-14-26.  And “Saudi Arabia leads Gulf efforts to dissuade Washington from striking Iran,” MEMO, 1-14-26.

WPost tries to make news by stating the obvious, the Regime knows that revolutions don’t start with clear opposition leaders, that is one way the Ayatollah has stayed in power.  “Iran’s opposition is battling to oust regime but hobbled by divisions,” WPost, 1-14-26.  Let’s don’t aid the Supreme Leader extend his power.

“Iran’s Leaders May Survive Protests. But Anger Will Likely Persist,” NYT, 1-14-26

Great article.  “Starlink reportedly made free in Iran – but protesters are taking huge risks by using it,” BBC, 1-14-26.

Thank you Amnesty.  What will other countries say?  What will the UN do?  “Iran: Massacre of protesters demands global diplomatic action to signal an end to impunity,” Amnesty International, 1-14-26.  Quote of the Day.  “Tell the world that if they do nothing, they [authorities] will turn the country into a graveyard.”  A journalist from Tehran.

WPost has helpful reporting here.  “With tensions high, Israel and Iran secretly reassured each other via Russia,” WPost, 1-14-26.  “The two Middle Eastern countries exchanged messages through a Russian intermediary saying they would not preemptively attack each other.”

The indignities and terror remain.  “Iran authorities demanding large sums for return of protesters’ bodies,” BBC told,” BBC, 1-14-26.

Horrendous.  A crime against humanity.  Other than the U.S., who is willing to stand up and do something about this?  “At least 12,000 killed in Iran crackdown as blackout deepens,” Iran International, 1-13-26.  “In the largest killing in Iran’s contemporary history – carried out largely over two consecutive nights, Thursday and Friday, January 8 and 9 – at least 12,000 people were killed. In terms of geographic scope, intensity of violence, and the number of deaths in a short time span, this killing is unprecedented in Iran’s history. Based on information received, those killed were mainly shot by forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Basij. This killing was fully organized, not the result of “sporadic” and “unplanned” clashes. Information received from the Supreme National Security Council and the presidential office indicates that the killing was carried out on the direct order of Ali Khamenei, with the explicit knowledge and approval of the heads of all three branches of government, and with an order for live fire issued by the Supreme National Security Council.”

I posted the Iran Int’l story above at the same time I’m posting the NYT story immediately below.  Notice the level of detail and numbers missing from the Times.  “‘Shoot to Kill’: Accounts of Brutal Crackdown Emerge From Iran,” NYT, 1-13-26.  “As many as 3,000 feared dead as witnesses describe government forces firing on unarmed protesters.”  The people only have one choice left.

“Bowen: Authoritarian regimes die gradually then suddenly, but Iran is not there yet,” BBC, 1-13-26.

“Iran Protester ‘to be executed tomorrow’, rights group says, as official says 2,000 killed in crackdown,” BBC, 1-13-26.

“Trump Tells Iranian Protesters ‘Help Is On Its Way’,” WSJ, 1-13-26.  Notice the range of options.

“Iran: ‘The killing of peaceful demonstrators must stop,’ UN rights chief says,” United Nations, 1-13-26.

Good article by CNN.  “Iran makes high-tech additions to its age-old playbook for crushing protests,” CNN, 1-13-26.  “Low-flying surveillance drones, [military-grade] signal jammers, a rapid-response propaganda apparatus, and the violent deployment of force were unleashed simultaneously by a regime keen to learn from each wave of unrest. … Protesters were heavily surveilled with CCTV cameras on the streets, but even those who chose to protest from their homes by shouting anti-regime slogans from their windows were being watched. Iranian police distributed a video titled “Identifable Sounds” showing drones hovering outside apartment buildings to find people chanting against the regime. … Set to ominous background music, the footage showed a drone operator peering into residential windows to identify people chanting “death to the dictator,” followed by scenes of security officials marking buildings with warning stickers, and in some cases, arresting residents. … In an unusually grim move, state television aired a report from a morgue showing rows of body bags, apparently intended to deter potential demonstrators from joining. … Even SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet terminals, used by Iranians to circumvent the restrictions, were jammed using what experts describe as military-grade technology.”

“’They just kept killing’: Eyewitnesses describe deadly crackdown in Iran,” BBC, 1-12-26.

“544 dead, over 10,600 arrested in Iran as Trump says Tehran sought talks | LIVE BLOG,” i24, 1-12-26.  These stories are the only news, about anyting, out of Iran.

“The Iranian Regime Could Fall:  But a U.S. Strike Would Prop It Up,” Foreign Affairs, 1-12-26.  Notice these are the same persons, whether during the June War, or at any time when the question of force might be applied by the U.S., who say a war will break out (when the U.S. takes out nuclear facilities, when the U.S. removes Soleimani, when Pres. Trump eliminated Baghdadi, etc.  Further, these are the same people who say that someone should rescue those who are being taken advantage of–yet they apparently don’t want the U.S. or their country to do it.  How many foreign leaders and news rooms around the world are calling to help the Iranians getting shot in the streets?

Both are untrue.  “Iran Prepared for War but Ready to Negotiate, Foreign Minister Says,” NYT, 1-12-26.

“Network of Scottish X accounts go dark amid Iran blackout,” The Herald, 1-12-26.

“Iran protesters defy brutal crackdown amid ongoing internet blackout,” CNN, 1-11-26.

Blackmail of a sort.  “Iran threatens retaliation against Israel, US bases if Washington intervenes,” I24, 1-11-26.

“Death toll in crackdown on protests in Iran spikes to at least 538, activists say,” Politico, 1-11-26.

“As Death Toll Surges in Iran, Leaders Take Tough Line Against Protesters,” NYT, 1-11-26.

Desperate it seems.  “Trump says Iran proposed nuclear deal talks, as U.S. weighs military action,” Axios, 1-11-26.

“’There wasn’t even time for CPR’: Iran medics describe hospitals overwhelmed with dead and injured protesters,” BBC, 1-10-26.  I’ve heard that much more than 2,000 have been killed.

“Iran Death Toll Rises as Crackdown Intensifies,” WSJ, 1-10-26.  There is no particular demand (i.e., better economy, women’s head coverings, water scarcity) but instead a call for the Regime to step down, to leave.  The people have nothing to lose.  They want freedom.

“Iran’s Hackers Warn Israel’s Mossad—We Have Hacked Your Phones,” Forbes, 1-10-26.  “The mass protests in Iran are now lauded as the greatest domestic threat to the regime in decades. “What began as protests against a failing economy has turned into a potential overthrow of Ali Khamenei’s oppressive regime,” the Daily Telegraph reports.”

This blog has always had the focus of what the Regime says and does, and arguing that until Iran becomes “normal” that the Revolutionary impulse for Shia-Mahdi-based Islam will run off the rails at some point, besides being a danger for the region.  So to run the few Pres. Trump stories and U.S. foreign policy is not directly the purpose of this blog.  But here is one of those exceptions.  “Trump says U.S. is ready to help Iranians get freedom,” Politico, 1-10-26.  BTW, this is an appropriate time to respond to allegations that will arise in the future, perhaps even years from now.  You’ll remember the claims by a number of U.S. critics and certainly the ISI government, that the U.S. and U.K. overthrew PM Mosaddegh in 1953.  These statements rarely take into account the Iran citizens and officials’ actions, basically asserting that a handful of CIA or UK agents could somehow control thousands of persons and beyond to the general population.  Nor do those claims evaluate the Iranian people’s displeasure with Mosaddegh nor the appearances of his moving toward the USSR, and what that would mean.  Well, here we are again, with the U.S. making threats that it would assist citizens being slaughtered and the Mossad claiming to assist the protesters (but saying they are not involved in Regime change, just acting to protect Israel).  Please don’t take the position that the U.S. or Israel or anyone other than the Regime is responsible for influencing the people to protest and now revolt.  Even the NYT today tells us that economics is what set this off, not Pres. Trump or anyone other than the Ayatollah and his henchmen.  “Inside Iran’s Protests: How a Plunging Currency Set Off Wide Unrest,” NYT, 1-10-26.  This is not a U.S. coup.

“Iran’s exiled crown prince rises as a figure in protests, decades after leaving his homeland,” AP, 1-10-26.

If you protest, parade, march, chant, you are targeted for death.  (that’s not what the Ayatollah said!  but we knew from his history that he didn’t mean it).  “Protesters and those aiding them will be tried on the charges of ‘waging war against God,’ a death penalty charge,” I24, 1-10-26.  There’s another obvious point here–the Ayatollah and his cronies don’t speak for Allah, or for God.  I know that God doesn’t order governments to do this to their citizens.

“Protests in Iran near 2-week mark as authorities intensify crackdown on demonstrators,” AP, 1-10-26.

“Iran protests grow deadlier as regime internet blackout fails to stop uprising,” Fox, 1-9-26.

Only the privileged get to use the internet.  “Khamenei’s X account active as Iran stays offline,” Iran International, 1-9-26.

“UK lawmaker cites reports on Russian flights to Iran, gold airlift,” Iran International, 1-8-26.

“Video shows security forces firing tear gas at protesters as Iran crackdown kills dozens,” NBC, 1-7-26.  It looks like the killing has begun.  “The protests are diffuse and largely leaderless, and the president’s efforts at mediation — and the killings and arrests by security forces — haven’t persuaded the demonstrators to stay off the streets.”

“Report: US demands Venezuela stop selling oil to Iran, China, Russia,” 1-7-26.  The new VP has to decide whether to sever other ties to Iran.

“Iran’s top general warns US, Israel against ‘threatening rhetoric’ and protest support,” I24, 1-7-26.

“The deep roots of Iran’s economic crisis,” Engelsberg Ideas, 1-7-26.

“Iran protests have put the country’s political system on trial,” The Conversation, 1-7-26.

11th Day.  “Violent clashes reported as Iran protests spread to more areas,” BBC, 1-7-26.  “The protests have so far spread to 111 cities and towns across all 31 provinces, according to the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA). It has reported that at least 34 protesters and four security personnel have been killed during the unrest, and that 2,200 protesters have been arrested. … Vice-President for Executive Affairs Mohammad Jafar Qaempanah said President Masoud Pezeshkian had ordered that “no security measures” be taken against peaceful protesters. “Those who carry firearms, knives and machetes and who attack police stations and military sites are rioters, and we must distinguish protesters from rioters,” he added. (keep in mind that the Basji and police are authorized to carry bicycle chains, clubs, machetes, etc, but are not considered rioters!) The protests have been the most widespread since an uprising in 2022 sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish woman who was detained by morality police for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly. More than 550 people were killed and 20,000 detained in a violent crackdown on those protests by security forces, according to human rights groups.”

“Videos from multiple cities taken by protesters and passers-by showed crowds chanting “Death to the dictator,” and “Freedom, freedom, freedom,” and “Don’t be afraid, we are all together.” In many places protesters demanding the end of the nearly five-decade rule of the Islamic Republic targeted the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, shouting, “Khamenei is a murderer, his rule is void.””  See “Protests Spread in Iran, and Crackdowns Escalate,” NYT, 1-7-26.