Iran in Deep Turmoil: Deadly Protests, Alleged Blinding Tactics, and a Nation Under Siege

As violent protests continue across Iran and the death toll reportedly exceeds 2,000, disturbing allegations have emerged suggesting that security forces are deliberately targeting protesters’ eyes in an effort to permanently blind them. Doctors describe hospital conditions as resembling “field hospitals in a war zone.”

Protests escalate into nationwide unrest

The protests began on 28 December following a sudden collapse in the value of the national currency and quickly evolved into one of the largest anti-regime uprisings Iran has seen in years. As demonstrations spread, claims surfaced that security forces were intentionally aiming at protesters’ heads and eyes rather than dispersing crowds.

Medical professionals working in Tehran report an overwhelming number of severe eye injuries caused by gunfire. One eye specialist stated that more than 400 patients with gunshot wounds to the eyes were registered at a single hospital alone.

Hospitals overwhelmed by severe injuries

According to reports, hospitals have exceeded capacity, with emergency rooms flooded by injured demonstrators. Doctors say the majority of wounds are concentrated on the head and eye area, pointing to a deliberate pattern rather than random violence.

One physician described the situation bluntly, saying security forces are intentionally firing at the head and eyes with the goal of blinding people and rendering them permanently disabled. In many cases, eyes had to be surgically removed, leaving patients with irreversible vision loss.

Human rights organizations note that similar tactics were reportedly used during the “Women, Life, Freedom” protests in 2022.

Death toll rises, communication blackout imposed

The demonstrations are described as the largest anti-regime movement since 2009, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets nightly and chanting slogans against the leadership.

On the night of 2 January, authorities cut off internet and mobile communications nationwide, effectively isolating the country from the outside world. Rights groups argue the blackout was imposed to conceal the scale of violence.

According to a US-based human rights monitoring group, at least 2,571 people have been killed so far, with around 90 percent of the victims identified as protesters. This figure is said to be four times higher than the death toll recorded during the 2022 protests. More than 16,700 people have reportedly been detained.

Doctors on the ground believe the true number of fatalities may be significantly higher.

 “Hospitals look like battlefields”

Medical staff in Tehran describe hospitals as scenes from war movies. One doctor compared them to battlefield clinics, explaining that there is a severe shortage of blood, medical supplies, and space. Patients are reportedly being treated in corridors and even outdoors in cold conditions.

Some doctors claim that security forces have entered hospitals to arrest wounded protesters. Healthcare workers themselves have also been injured, including reports of a doctor being shot while on the way to work.

Physicians state that security forces are using shotguns and live ammunition, targeting eyes, heads, chests, and even genital areas. In one case, a doctor said more than 20 pellets were removed from a single protester’s body. Human rights groups describe these actions as a form of “systematic maiming.”

Authorities deny responsibility

The Iranian government rejects these accusations, blaming protesters for the violence. State media has broadcast footage showing police officers being beaten, a police chief killed, and religious buildings damaged.

Based on these images, officials argue that the demonstrations have turned into an “armed uprising.” Rights groups report that at least 147 state officials and regime supporters have died during the unrest.

Protesters, however, insist that security forces opened fire on largely peaceful crowds. A 20-year-old demonstrator said that during a protest in Tehran, individuals dressed in civilian clothing infiltrated the crowd and fired directly at people’s heads from behind.

Keywords: #IranProtests #HumanRights #StateViolence #BlindingAllegations #CivilUnrest #MiddleEast #PressFreedom #MedicalCrisis #ProtestCrackdown