Iran's Supreme Leader Directly Authorized Lethal Force Against Protesters, Report Claims
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei personally approved the use of live ammunition against demonstrators during the country's latest wave of unrest. This explosive revelation comes from a detailed report by Iran International, a media outlet monitoring the situation.
Direct Orders from the Top
The report states that the killings occurred on Khamenei's direct orders. It claims the heads of all three branches of the Iranian government had full knowledge and gave their approval for this harsh crackdown. According to information from the Supreme National Security Council and the presidential office, the council formally issued an order permitting security forces to use live fire.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij militia bore primary responsibility for carrying out the shootings. These paramilitary forces reportedly implemented the orders across several cities.
How the Report Was Compiled
Iran International says its findings are based on a multi-stage review of information that began recently. The outlet drew on multiple sources to build its case:
- Sources close to the Supreme National Security Council
- Officials within the presidential office
- IRGC-linked sources in Mashhad, Kermanshah, and Isfahan
- Eyewitness accounts from protest scenes
- Testimony from families of victims
- Hospital data and information from doctors and nurses across several cities
This multi-source approach aimed to verify the claims from different angles, though independent confirmation remains challenging.
Nationwide Unrest and Mounting Casualties
The protests have now spread to all 31 provinces of Iran. They were initially sparked by worsening economic conditions that have severely impacted ordinary citizens. Reports from international news agencies paint a grim picture of the human cost.
Reuters has reported that approximately 2,000 people have been killed during the crackdown. More than 10,700 individuals have been arrested according to these estimates. Iran's government has not released any official casualty figures, making independent verification difficult.
The Associated Press has noted it cannot independently verify the death toll due to widespread internet shutdowns and severe restrictions on reporting within the country. These communication blackouts have made gathering accurate information exceptionally challenging for international observers.
Economic Crisis Fuels Public Anger
Iran's economy has been under severe strain, creating the conditions for widespread discontent. The national currency, the rial, has collapsed to more than 1.4 million to the US dollar. Soaring inflation and rising prices for basic goods have pushed many families to the brink.
Public anger has been further fueled by recent government policies. Cuts to fuel subsidies and the removal of preferential exchange rates for most imports have added to the economic pressure on ordinary Iranians. These measures have made daily life increasingly difficult for millions.
External Pressures Compound Domestic Crisis
The domestic unrest comes as Iran faces mounting external pressures on multiple fronts. The country recently engaged in a 12-day war with Israel in June. US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites have added to the tensions. Tehran's regional allies have also been weakening, reducing Iran's influence in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump has issued warnings about the situation. He stated that Washington would respond if Iran continues to "violently kill peaceful protesters." At the same time, Trump has signaled interest in negotiations, creating a complex diplomatic landscape.
The combination of internal economic collapse and external geopolitical pressures has created one of the most challenging periods for the Iranian government in recent years. How authorities respond to both domestic dissent and international criticism will likely shape Iran's trajectory for years to come.
