Iran Intensifies Crackdown on Protesters, Warns of Possible Déath Pénalty

Iranian authorities have escalated their crackdown on nationwide protests, issuing stark warnings that demonstrators could face the death penalty as unrest spreads. The government has implemented internet restrictions in several areas, a common tactic during periods of tension to control information and communication.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking through state media, vowed that the Islamic Republic would not tolerate what he termed “vandalism” or actions by “mercenaries for foreign powers.” He accused external forces of instigating the unrest and promised a firm state response to any acts threatening public order.

Officials have explicitly warned that individuals involved in violent protests could be subject to severe punishment under the law, including the death penalty. This threat has raised significant alarm among human rights advocates, who fear it will be used to intimidate protesters and suppress legitimate dissent.

These drastic measures highlight the deepening crisis in Iran as the government struggles to maintain control amid widespread public anger over persistent political, economic, and social grievances.