12.01.2026 13:20
Protests that began due to economic issues in Iran continue on the 15th day. In the neighboring country, where the death toll has risen to 538, the police have started sending text messages to parents warning them to keep their children away from "rebels." The message sent to phones included the statement, "In line with our firm decision to fight decisively against the rebels, it is strongly advised that families take good care of their youth and adolescent children."
Thousands of people took to the streets in Iran, citing economic problems as their reason, continuing their protests on the 15th day, while the number of those who lost their lives in the demonstrations rose to 538.
MORE THAN 10,000 ARRESTS
HRANA reported that at least 538 people have died in nationwide protests over the past two weeks, including 490 demonstrators and 48 security personnel. The statement also indicated that more than 10,600 people have been detained.
THE TOLL HAS REACHED TERRIFYING DIMENSIONS
Meanwhile, while no official statement has been made by Iranian officials regarding the death toll, the Associated Press (AP) reported that it could not independently verify the casualty figures. HRANA had announced that the latest death toll had risen to 116.
POLICE HAVE STARTED SENDING MESSAGES TO PHONES
According to AP's report, Iranian police are sending text messages to Tehran residents warning parents to keep their children away from "rebels."
"PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF THEIR CHILDREN"
The messages stated, "In light of the presence of terrorist groups and armed individuals in some protests last night, and given our firm decision that no compromise will be tolerated and that we will fight decisively against the rebels, it is strongly advised that families take good care of their young and adolescent children."
PROTESTS IN IRAN
The protests that began on December 28, 2025, by shopkeepers in the Grand Bazaar of Tehran due to the significant devaluation of the local currency against foreign currencies and economic problems spread to many cities across the country.
While no official statement has been made regarding those who died or were injured in the protests, HRANA reported in a report published on January 10 (on the 14th day of the protests) that 116 people had lost their lives, including 37 security personnel and 4 healthcare workers, over 2,600 people had been injured, and 2,638 people had been detained.