DUBAI, Jan 16 – Iran’s violent crackdown appears to have largely suppressed nationwide protests for now, according to residents, even as state media reported ongoing arrests and U.S. warnings of intervention linger.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised Tehran’s leaders on social media for reportedly calling off mass executions, which he claimed were scheduled for over 800 detainees. Iran has not publicly confirmed any such cancellations. The protests, which began on December 28 over economic hardships, evolved into calls for the end of clerical rule, resulting in widespread violence. Opposition groups and Iranian officials report more than 2,000 deaths, marking the deadliest unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Residents in Tehran and northern cities reported relative calm over the past four days, with drones monitoring the streets but no major demonstrations. While U.S. threats of military action have eased, additional forces are expected to be deployed to the region amid continued tensions. Diplomacy involving Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Israel has sought to prevent a U.S. strike, highlighting the broader geopolitical stakes.
Reports of sporadic unrest continue in areas including Karaj and Kurdish regions, where protests remain tightly controlled by security forces. Independent groups say the military presence is heavy even in cities that previously saw no demonstrations. Online footage has circulated showing numerous bodies in Tehran medical facilities, underscoring the scale of the crackdown.
Exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi urged international support for protesters, though the extent of domestic backing for him remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Iran’s police chief claims nationwide calm has been restored, though sporadic clashes and violent incidents indicate the situation remains fragile.
