538 killed in Iran's violence, arson and vandalism

News Topical, Digital Desk : The situation in Iran's two-week-long anti-inflation protests has spiraled out of control. Despite stern warnings from the government, large numbers of people took to the streets on Saturday and Sunday, demonstrating their unwillingness to back down.

Hundreds of people have been killed in protests, firing, vandalism and arson in more than 100 cities including the capital Tehran. According to the American organization Human Rights Activists News Agency, 538 people have been killed so far in the clash between security forces and protesters, including 48 security personnel. But Iran's semi-official news agency Tasnim has confirmed the death of 109 security personnel. 30 security personnel are reported to have been killed in Isfahan region alone. Tasnim has not disclosed the number of protesters killed. 10,670 people have been arrested in the country.

America is keeping an eye on the situation in Iran

The US is closely monitoring the rapidly deteriorating situation in Iran. President Donald Trump has stated that he is ready to assist the peacefully protesting Iranian people. However, the Iranian government has warned that in the event of a US attack, it will retaliate against nearby US military bases and Israel. Following this statement by the Iranian government, the Israeli army has been put on high alert. European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen has expressed support for the protesting Iranian people.

What is the stance of the Iranian government?

Meanwhile, protests against Iran's Islamic regime have erupted in the United States, Germany, and Spain. The Iranian government is sending mixed signals to the protesters on how to deal with the situation. President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that the government is ready to talk to the protesters, but will not negotiate with the rioters. They have attempted to disrupt the country's social cohesion and will face strict action. Pezeshkian has blamed the United States and Israel for the unrest in the country.

Prosecutor General Muhammad Muwahedi Azad has directed judicial officers to expedite the trial of cases of those arrested in vandalism and arson cases in the courts so that the accused can be punished soon.

He said, "Those who engage in vandalism and arson are enemies of Allah, and the country's constitution provides for the death penalty." The country's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned protesters to refrain from violence and anarchy. The military has stated that it will act in the national interest if the protests escalate.

Reza Pahlavi prepares to return to Iran

Iran's former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of the deposed Shah, has said that the fundamentalist Islamic regime is breathing its last. The people have suffered under this regime for the past 46 years and now they want change. They want a secular, democratic system of government in the country.

Pahlavi, who is in the US, has said he is preparing to return to Iran. This statement is being confirmed by the posters demanding the Shah's return during demonstrations in several locations, while slogans against the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, are resonating in cities including the capital, Tehran.

It is worth noting that Ayatollah Khomeini came to power in Iran after overthrowing Shah Reza Pahlavi through the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Since Khomeini's death, Khamenei has held the position of Supreme Leader.

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