The simmering discontent fueled by Iran’s stark economic woes has erupted into a formidable challenge against the country’s leadership, marking the most significant internal turmoil in over three years. This upheaval arrives amid a backdrop of intensified global scrutiny, following military actions by Israel and the United States in the preceding year.

According to the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), the death toll has reached 2,003 individuals, with 1,850 of those being protesters. The organization has also noted a dramatic rise in detentions, tallying up to 16,784 individuals—an alarming increase from previous reports.

In the midst of these tensions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi disclosed ongoing communications with the US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, throughout the protests. Araghchi mentioned that Tehran is currently evaluating proposals put forth by Washington, suggesting a potential avenue for diplomatic engagement.

The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s future, a nation long regarded as a key player in Middle Eastern geopolitics, has drawn international attention. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed his belief that the Iranian government might soon collapse, reflecting the global skepticism about Iran’s political stability.

Responding to Merz’s remarks, Araghchi accused Germany of hypocrisy and claimed that the Chancellor had “obliterated any shred of credibility” with his criticisms, indicating Tehran’s dismissive stance towards foreign admonishments.

Meanwhile, the Iranian Kurdish rights organization Hengaw has reported a distressing development: the impending execution of Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old man apprehended during protests in Karaj. The authorities have reportedly informed Soltani’s family that his death sentence is final, as per a source close to the family.

Rights group says man accused in protests set to be executed

Hengaw, an Iranian Kurdish rights group, has reported that a 26-year-old man, Erfan Soltani, arrested in connection with protests in the city of Karaj, will be executed on Wednesday. Authorities had told the family that the death sentence was final, Hengaw reported, citing a source close to the family.

Parliament member Mohammadreza Sabaghian, who represents an area in Yazd, in central Iran, said the government needed to resolve people’s dissatisfaction, otherwise “the same events will occur with greater intensity”.