Nigeria: Iranian Protests Escalate: 466 killed, 2,638 detained as gov’t crackdown intensifies

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Iran is witnessing its most significant unrest in years, with widespread protests sparked by economic hardship and calls for political reforms. The government has responded with force, resulting in at least 466 deaths and 2,638 detentions, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has blamed foreign powers, particularly the US, for the protests, while President Masoud Pezeshkia has vowed to listen to the people’s concerns. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has threatened military intervention if Iranian authorities continue to use lethal force against protesters.

Protesters are demanding an end to clerical rule and political reforms. The international community is watching closely, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing hope that Iran will soon be freed from tyranny. US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, suggests that the overthrow of Iran’s government could spell the end of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.