Iran protests downscale after crackdown, rights groups say

Protests that erupted across Iran in recent weeks have largely subsided following a sweeping security crackdown that residents and human rights groups say killed thousands of people.

Residents in Tehran and other major cities told international media that streets have been noticeably quieter in recent days, with no large-scale demonstrations reported since earlier in the week.

The lull follows an intense response by the authorities, including the deployment of security forces, mass arrests and restrictions on internet access.

State media reported further arrests on Friday, despite warnings from the U.S. that it could intervene if killings continued. Iran has said it would respond to any act of aggression.

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The protests began late last month, initially driven by anger over economic hardship, before spreading rapidly to cities across the country. They became one of the most serious waves of unrest Iran has seen in years.

Rights groups say the demonstrations have largely been suppressed because of the severity of the government response. The Norway-based Kurdish rights organisation Hengaw said it had not recorded any significant protests in recent days.

"Our independent sources confirm a heavy military and security presence in cities and towns where protests previously took place, as well as in several locations that did not experience major demonstrations," the rights group told Reuters.

Residents, speaking anonymously, described checkpoints, patrols and surveillance drones, as well as warnings from authorities against gatherings. One Tehran resident said people were staying indoors out of fear.

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State media have reported the deaths of members of the security forces and accused protesters of vandalism and violence, framing the unrest as an attempt to destabilise the country.

Despite the relative calm, rights groups have warned that tensions remain high.

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Iran Iran protests Tehran U.S. Iran-U.S.