Iranian demonstrators have effectively seized control of the towns of Abdanan and Malekshahi in Ilam province, continuing large-scale protests driven by economic and political discontent.
Ali Safavi, a representative of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, stated that an important event occurred on January 6 when two cities in western Iran came under protest control.
The demonstrations have been accompanied by heightened security measures, including the deployment of security forces into hospitals, as well as the use of tear gas and pneumatic weapons.
Iranians are demanding that authorities stabilize the national currency.
Experts maintain that the situation in Iran remains far from a “point of no return,” but they urge Tehran to avoid relaxing its approach.
On January 5, reports indicated that Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei had developed an evacuation plan for Tehran should protests fail to be quelled. The plan would involve Khamenei departing with his immediate entourage and family members, potentially via Moscow. It was also noted that the Ayatollah has rarely appeared in public following last year’s conflict with Israel.
A day earlier, on January 4, U.S. officials stated they are monitoring the situation and warned of a possible “harsh response” if casualties occur among protesters.
