Iran reports over 3,000 arrests amid subsiding antigovernment protests nationwide

Iranian Authorities Report 3,000 Arrests Amid Ongoing Protests

The Iranian authorities have confirmed that at least 3,000 people have been arrested in recent weeks as part of the ongoing antigovernment demonstrations. The protests, which began in late December, were sparked by concerns over soaring inflation and the devaluation of the local currency.

According to reports from Tehran, security forces are present throughout the city, with a heavy police presence on the streets. Internet access remains unavailable for almost everyone in Iran, with online monitor NetBlocks stating that the nationwide internet blackout has entered its eighth day.

The Iranian government has described the protesters as “rioters” and accused foreign countries, including the United States and Israel, of fueling the unrest. Human rights groups have reported over 1,000 protester deaths since the demonstrations began, although the Iranian government claims at least 100 security officers were killed in protest-related attacks.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran if more protesters are killed, but has since softened his rhetoric after cancelling plans to execute hundreds of protesters. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution to quell tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has warned that “mass unlawful killings” appear to have been committed on an unprecedented scale during the protests. The rights group is urging the international community to demand investigations into what happened and hold any perpetrators accountable.

The Iranian authorities are reportedly trying to keep the situation under control both domestically and internationally, with a focus on improving the economic situation to address the underlying causes of the unrest.

Source: Al Jazeera