Iran Violence: Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei Ordered Shooting of Protesters, Over 2,000 Dead

A grim scenario has unfolded in Iran during recent unrest, where Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei personally issued orders for security forces to fire upon protesters. Following these directives, it's reported that over 2,000 individuals have been killed on the streets of the country, escalating the crisis to a severe level. A report by Iran International has brought this to light,. Indicating that these killings were carried out under Khamenei's direct command.

Khamenei's Direct Order and Government Approval

According to the Iran International report, which cites information from sources close to the Supreme National Security Council and the President's office, the order to shoot protesters was personally given by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The report further states that the heads of all three branches of the government were fully aware of this decision and had given their approval, while this information highlights the direct involvement of the country's top leadership, thereby intensifying the gravity of these events and underscoring the centralized nature of the command structure during the crackdown.

Government Acknowledges Deaths for the First Time

The Supreme National Security Council formally issued the order authorizing the use of live ammunition against demonstrators, as per the report. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij militia were primarily responsible for carrying out these shootings. These security forces acted upon Khamenei's orders, leading to a significant loss of life among the protesters. This indicates that key state security apparatuses were directly involved in the repressive actions, executing the directives from the highest authority to quell the widespread dissent.

In a significant development, a senior official within the Iranian administration has for the first time acknowledged that over 2,000 people have been killed in the nationwide violence. This marks a crucial turning point, as it's the first official admission by Iran of such a high number of fatalities during the two weeks of ongoing protests, while while the official didn't specify how many of the deceased were civilians versus security personnel, it was conceded that a large number of security personnel were also among the casualties. This acknowledgment underscores the severe human cost of the ongoing crisis.

Widespread Protests Across the Nation

The protests, initially sparked by worsening economic conditions, have now spread to all 31 provinces across the country. This widespread dissemination indicates that the discontent isn't confined to specific regions but has permeated broadly throughout Iran, while the extensive reach of these demonstrations presents a formidable challenge for the government, as it's compelled to manage the situation on multiple fronts simultaneously. The economic crisis has generated deep frustration among the general populace, serving as a primary catalyst for these widespread protests.

Multi-Layered Review of Information

The Iran International report was based on a multi-layered review of information that commenced on Sunday. This comprehensive review utilized data from various sources, including sources close to the Supreme National Security Council, officials from the President's office, IRGC-affiliated sources in Mashhad, Kermanshah, and Isfahan, as well as eyewitness testimonies, family accounts, hospital data, and information gathered from doctors and nurses in several cities. This detailed and diverse source-based information strengthens the credibility of the report, confirming the direct orders issued by Khamenei and providing a solid foundation for the claims made regarding the government's actions.