TEHRAN — Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards have issued a stern warning that national security is a “red line,” signaling a potential intensification of force as nationwide protests stretch into their 13th consecutive day. The declaration raises fears of a militarized crackdown against demonstrators who have continued to gather in defiance of an escalating security presence.
“Strongest Manner” Response Threatened
In a statement released as unrest continued across major cities, the Revolutionary Guards vowed to protect public property and order. Officials described the protesters as “rioters” and “mercenaries” aligned with foreign enemies, explicitly stating that the military force would respond in the “strongest manner” to any actions deemed a threat to the regime’s stability. This rhetoric marks a shift toward a more aggressive stance, categorizing the demonstrations not just as civil disobedience but as a direct security threat.
Rising Casualty Reports
The warning comes amid alarming reports regarding the death toll. While official state media has downplayed the violence, data from hospitals in Tehran suggests a much grimmer reality. Records from just six hospitals in the capital indicate that over 200 protesters have died, with a significant number of these fatalities attributed to live ammunition.
Human rights monitors have also documented dozens of confirmed deaths among demonstrators and security personnel alike. The use of lethal force appears to be widening, though verifying exact numbers remains difficult due to severe disruptions in internet connectivity and information blackouts enforced by the state.
International Warning
The crackdown has drawn sharp attention from the United States. President Donald Trump issued a direct warning to the Iranian leadership, stating that the U.S. is watching the situation closely. The administration cautioned the regime against further violence, emphasizing that the world is observing how the government treats its own citizens.
Support for the protesters has also been voiced by other U.S. officials and international rights organizations, who have condemned the use of deadly force against unarmed civilians.
Continued Unrest
Despite the threats and the rising death toll, the protests show little sign of abating. What began as an outcry over economic hardships has morphed into a broader movement challenging the clerical establishment. With the Revolutionary Guards now fully engaged and declaring their “red line,” the coming days are expected to be critical in determining the trajectory of the uprising.
