Eyewitness accounts from protesters in Iran detail a violent crackdown by security forces during recent demonstrations against economic hardship. An unnamed protester, describing his experience, said, They fired directly into lines of protesters, and people fell where they stood. Reports indicate unarmed demonstrators are met with live ammunition, prompting widespread fear and broken morale among citizens.

Internet access has been severely restricted, complicating reporting from the country as the authorities clamp down on dissent. Eyewitnesses mention that a recent nationwide protest was sparked by calls from exiled prince Reza Pahlavi, further fueling anger against the regime.

Demonstrations have erupted not only in major cities like Tehran but also in smaller towns, where reports suggest casualties are unaccounted for due to limited communication.

As the violence escalates, the Iranian authorities have accused foreign countries of inciting unrest while continuing to label protesters as rioters. Accounts from medical personnel describe harrowing scenes at overwhelmed hospitals, where they face a surge of severely injured individuals. The death toll is rumored to be much higher than official reports suggest, with estimates indicating hundreds to thousands of fatalities across various cities.

The situation in Iran is rapidly developing, with the international community raising concerns over human rights violations and excessive force used against demonstrators. Eyewitness accounts underscore a harrowing reality that reveals the stark consequences of civil resistance against a repressive regime.