Medics Describe Overwhelmed Hospitals as Iran Protests Continue
As protests in Iran persist, Iranian authorities have issued warnings to protesters, and medical professionals have reported hospitals being overwhelmed with injuries. One doctor described a Tehran eye hospital entering crisis mode, while a medic from another hospital shared that they lacked sufficient surgeons to manage the influx of patients.
US President Donald Trump's comments on Friday regarding Iran's situation have sparked further tension. He stated that Iran is in 'big trouble' and threatened retaliation if shooting occurs. Iran, in a letter to the UN Security Council, accused the US of inciting protests that turned into 'violent acts and widespread vandalism'.
International leaders have called for the protection of the right to peaceful protest. Anti-government protests, which continued on Friday, have been reported in dozens of cities, with two human rights groups confirming at least 50 protesters' deaths. The BBC and other international news organizations face restrictions on reporting inside Iran, and the country has experienced a near-total internet blackout since Thursday evening, complicating information gathering and verification.
A doctor from Iran, using Starlink satellite internet, reported that Farabi Hospital, Tehran's main eye specialist center, was in crisis mode, with emergency services overwhelmed. Non-urgent admissions and surgeries were suspended, and staff focused on emergency cases. A medic from Shiraz shared a message on Thursday, stating the hospital was receiving large numbers of injured individuals, surpassing its surgical capacity. Many of the wounded had gunshot injuries to the head and eyes.
Since the protests began on December 28, at least 50 protesters and 15 security personnel have been killed, according to the Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA). Over 2,311 individuals have been arrested, the group reported. Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) confirmed at least 51 protesters, including nine children, were killed.
The UN Secretary-General's spokesperson expressed concern over the loss of life, emphasizing the right to peaceful demonstration and the government's responsibility to protect it. French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement, urging Iranian authorities to protect their population and ensure freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a televised address, remained defiant, stating that the Islamic Republic would not back down. He also mentioned dealing with 'destructive elements'. In contrast, the son of Iran's last shah, Reza Pahlavi, praised the protests and urged further targeted protests.
Former British Ambassador to Iran, Sir Simon Gass, discussed the challenges of regime change, citing the lack of organized opposition in Iran. He noted that these protests involve a broader movement of protesters, triggered by economic struggles. The US administration, under President Trump, has been closely monitoring the situation, warning of potential retaliation if Iran's leadership resorts to violence.
The US State Department criticized Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, for his comments, describing them as 'delusional'. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed support for the Iranian people, while political activist Taghi Rahmani expressed skepticism about American support, warning of potential negative consequences for national interests.
