Iran Declares 3 Days of Mourning Amid Deadly Protests

Tehran: Iran has declared three days of national mourning for those it calls “martyrs” as protests across the country continue to claim lives. State television aired funeral processions for security personnel in western cities and called for nationwide pro-government marches. Rights groups estimate more than 500 people have been killed and over 10,600 arrested, though authorities have not released an official toll and an internet blackout remains in place.

Tensions have intensified as Iran warned the United States against any military intervention, threatening retaliation against US bases, ships, and Israel. What began as protests over rising prices has expanded into broader unrest against Iran’s clerical leadership, with officials blaming the US and Israel. Verified videos show large crowds, fires, and explosions, while President Masoud Pezeshkian accused “rioters and terrorists” of violence and said the government was open to addressing economic grievances.