Iran: human toll and intensified repression

Numerous corroborating reports indicate that a de facto state of siege has been established throughout Iran. The authorities have imposed night-time restrictions on movement, increased roadblocks, carried out systematic vehicle checks, stepped up surveillance of communications and intensified the inspection of mobile phones.

There are also reports of raids on private homes and the collection and destruction of satellite dishes in the Vanak and Mirdamad neighbourhoods of Tehran, accompanied by increased control of residential areas.
In addition, there have been reports of a massive deployment of security forces, with the use of tear gas and stun grenades. In Vakilabad, the progressive advance of the repressive units has made any kind of public gathering extremely difficult.

In several cities, particularly Semnan, Fasa and Zarghan, there are reports of a tightening of the state of siege, severe restrictions on movement, authorisation to shoot and the closure of entrances and exits to cities.

19th day of the uprising: clashes and street fighting

On Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 January, numerous Iranian cities were the scene of violent clashes between young insurgents and the rebellious population on the one hand, and the repressive forces on the other.

The popular uprising continues in several regions

• Tehran: there are repeated reports of bursts of gunfire for several hours in the west of the capital, as well as clashes in the neighbourhoods of Narmak, Enghelab, Shoosh, Molavi, Tehranpars and Sadeghieh.
• Rafsanjan, Thursday 15 January in the evening: clashes and courageous pursuits between insurgents and the armed forces of the special unit.
• Rafsanjan, Thursday evening, 15 January: Insurgents set fire to a bank belonging to the regime, accused of economic predation.
• Rafsanjan, Wednesday evening, 14 January: The regime's post office was set on fire by young insurgents.
• Rafsanjan, Wednesday night, 14 January: the headquarters of the Khomeini Relief Committee was set on fire by insurgents.
• Gonbad-e Kavous, Wednesday night, 14 January: fierce fighting between insurgents and special unit forces in the streets of the city.
• Langaroud, Thursday, 15 January: Street fighting and chases between insurgents and special unit armed forces.
• Mashhad, Wednesday night, 14 January: Heroic clashes between insurgents and bloody special unit forces on Daneshjou Boulevard.
• Isfahan, Wednesday, 14 January, evening: brave fighting by insurgents against special unit forces in Malekshahr and on Motahari Street, accompanied by chants of ‘Death to Khamenei.’
• Karaj, Wednesday, 14 January, evening: brave resistance by insurgents in Hesarak and clashes with special unit forces.
• Kermanshah, Wednesday 14 January in the evening: barricade-to-barricade fighting between insurgents and special unit forces and the Revolutionary Guards.
• Ilam, Wednesday 14 January in the evening: street clashes between insurgents, special unit armed forces and Revolutionary Guard militias.

Conclusion: current situation

The uprising and clashes continue throughout the country. However, in many regions, their form has evolved: large gatherings have gradually given way to localised persecution, scattered clashes, and night-time and neighbourhood protests.

Overall conclusion: the uprising remains active and resilient. The regime has launched a harsh and widespread crackdown, but has failed to gain complete control over the situation.