Iran Protests: Khamenei accused of ordering protesters' killings as toll rises to 2,000

Tehran: The death toll continues to rise as anti-government protests rages across multiple cities in Iran. An Iranian official has claimed that more than 2,000 people, including security personnel, have died in the protests that have been going on for a week. 

Who has Iran blamed for the violence?  

Talking to the media, an Iranian official blamed terrorists for the killings, saying that terrorists killed both protesters and security forces. However, the official who made the claim refused to reveal his identity.

Did Khamenei give the order to shoot protesters?

This is the first major anti-government movement in Iran since 1979. According to Iranian media, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei himself authorized the use of weapons against the protesters. The report stated that the killings of protesters are happening on Khamenei's orders. Security forces were given permission to use weapons after a meeting of all three branches of the government. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Basij militia are killing people. More than 10,000 people have been arrested and imprisoned so far.

How have eyewitnesses described the situation?

Internet and phone services have also been shut down in Iran in recent days. On Tuesday, some journalists managed to make international calls. Eyewitnesses provided a brief glimpse of life on the streets of the Iranian capital during the four and a half days of being cut off from the world. They described a heavy security presence in central Tehran.

Riot police officers, wearing helmets and body armor, were armed with batons, shields, shotguns, and tear gas canisters. They were monitoring major intersections. Nearby, eyewitnesses saw members of the Revolutionary Guard's volunteer Basij force, similarly armed with weapons and batons. Security officers in plain clothes were also visible in public places.

Eyewitnesses reported that several banks and government offices were burned down during the unrest. He reported that ATMs had been vandalized and banks were having difficulty completing transactions without internet access.  Although shops were open, there was minimal movement of people in the capital. Tehran's Grand Bazaar, where the protests began on December 28, was expected to reopen on Tuesday.

One eyewitness recounted speaking to several shopkeepers who said security forces had ordered them to open their shops at all costs. Iranian state media did not confirm this order. Many people are concerned about potential US military action, even though President Donald Trump has said that Iran wants to negotiate with Washington.

Meanwhile, security forces appeared to be searching for Starlink terminals, as residents in northern Tehran reported that authorities were raiding apartment buildings with satellite dishes. Although satellite television dishes are illegal, many homes in the capital have them, and authorities have been lax in enforcing the law in recent years.

What has the Iranian foreign ministry said?

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with the Al Jazeera news network on Monday that he was in constant contact with US envoy Steve Witkoff. 

"Dialogue continues before and after the protests," Araghchi said.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Iran's public rhetoric differs from the private messages the administration has received from Tehran in recent days. 

"I think the president is interested in considering these messages," Leavitt said. 

"However, the president has also demonstrated that he is not hesitant to use military options if necessary, and no one knows that better than Iran," he added.