Tehran: Pro-Government Rallies Held – Video

Thousands of Iranians gathered in Revolution Square in Tehran to show support for the government, while similar rallies took place in other cities.

The mobilization took place after a call by President Masoud Pezeshkian, with protesters holding flags of the Islamic Republic and paying tribute to the members of the security forces killed in recent demonstrations.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that Iran is waging a war against "terrorists." Official media report that dozens of members of the security forces have been killed since December 28, while human rights organizations speak of hundreds or even thousands of deaths.

The NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) reported that it has confirmed the death of at least 192 protesters, while HRANA, based in the USA, speaks of 554 deaths (496 protesters and 48 members of the security forces) and 10,681 arrests.

The protest movement defies the authorities in a country weakened by the war with Israel and sanctions. Following threats from Donald Trump, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the country is ready for war, but also for negotiations.

The Center for Human Rights in Iran reports that hospitals are filled with injured protesters and blood supplies are running out. The son of the former Shah, Reza Pahlavi, called on the armed forces to "stand by the people."

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