An Iranian eyewitness has described a brutal crackdown by security forces on protesters in Iran, with reports of live ammunition turning neighborhoods into “war zones” and a rising death toll that has drawn international condemnation. The events, part of ongoing nationwide unrest sparked by economic collapse and political repression, highlight the severe humanitarian crisis and the regime’s ruthless tactics to suppress dissent.
Parnia, a London resident visiting family in Isfahan, told the BBC that protests which began in Tehran quickly spread to her city, bringing hundreds of people into the streets. She recounted how security forces first used tear gas, then birdshot, and finally live ammunition against crowds that included women, men, and children of all ages, chanting slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The scene descended into chaos, with people being shot and falling, and blood staining the streets, as her neighborhood transformed into a conflict zone.
The crackdown has been compounded by a government-imposed internet blackout, now in its third week, which has severely limited the flow of information and isolated Iran from the global community. Despite this, eyewitness accounts like Parnia’s have emerged, supported by videos verified by the BBC showing protesters barricading streets and setting fire to a state broadcaster building in Isfahan. These visuals underscore the scale of the unrest and the desperate measures taken by both sides.
Parallel reports from the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) indicate that the violence extends beyond Isfahan, with a massacre reported in Kermanshah on January 23, 2026, where security forces allegedly killed protesters in a stadium. Rasht was described as being in “war zone” conditions, and shocking videos have surfaced showing women and girls deliberately targeted with gunshots to the head and heart, highlighting the regime’s systematic brutality against unarmed civilians.
The humanitarian impact is devastating. Parnia described a local clinic in Isfahan overwhelmed with wounded protesters, many of whom avoided hospitals for fear of arrest. Medical staff could only provide basic wound care, leading to infections, and in some cases, doctors performed hundreds of surgeries to remove eyes damaged by birdshot, leaving survivors with permanent disabilities. The true extent of injuries and deaths remains obscured by the internet shutdown and regime censorship.
International response has intensified, with the European Parliament condemning the crackdown in a resolution on January 22 and calling for expanded sanctions. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened “very strong action” if Iran executes protesters, adding to diplomatic pressure. However, the Iranian regime remains defiant, with Supreme Leader Khamenei vowing not to back down and security forces maintaining a heavy presence in protest hotspots.
Death toll estimates vary widely; Iranian authorities claim around 3,000 fatalities, while human rights groups like HRANA confirm over 4,600 deaths with thousands more injured, suggesting the actual numbers may be higher. The protests, driven by long-standing economic hardship and political oppression, show no signs of easing, indicating that Iran is at a critical juncture that could reshape its future.
Looking forward, the international community faces the challenge of supporting the Iranian people without escalating conflicts, while eyewitnesses like Parnia plan to amplify voices from within Iran through global opposition rallies. The events of recent weeks may signal a pivotal shift in Iran’s political dynamics, with implications for regional stability and human rights advocacy worldwide.
