Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei personally authorised the use of live ammunition against protesters during the country’s latest wave of unrest, according to a report by Iran International.Citing information from the Supreme National Security Council and the presidential office, Iran International reported that the killings were carried out on the direct orders of Khamenei, with the full knowledge and approval of the heads of all three branches of government. The outlet said the Supreme National Security Council formally issued an order permitting live fire, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij militia primarily responsible for the shootings.
According to the outlet, its findings were based on a multi-stage review of information beginning on Sunday, drawing on sources close to the Supreme National Security Council, officials in the presidential office, IRGC-linked sources in Mashhad, Kermanshah and Isfahan, as well as eyewitness accounts, family testimony, hospital data and information from doctors and nurses across several cities.The protests, sparked by worsening economic conditions, have spread to all 31 provinces.
As per reports by Reuters, around 2,000 people have been killed and more than 10,700 arrested, though Iran’s government has not released official casualty figures. The Associated Press has said it is unable to independently verify the toll due to widespread internet shutdowns and restrictions on reporting.Iran’s economy has been under severe strain, with the rial collapsing to more than 1.4 million to the dollar amid soaring inflation and rising prices for basic goods.
Anger has also been fuelled by cuts to fuel subsidies and the removal of preferential exchange rates for most imports.The unrest comes as Iran faces mounting external pressure following a 12-day war with Israel in June, US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and the weakening of Tehran’s regional allies. US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington would respond if Iran continues to “violently kill peaceful protesters”, while also signalling interest in negotiations.
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