No Arrests of Indians Amid Rising Protests in Iran, Officials Claim

Iran has categorically rejected reports on social media alleging that six Indian nationals have been detained by police amid escalating anti-government protests that have severely impacted daily life in cities like Tehran.

In response to these claims, Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, labeled the allegations as unfounded and urged the public to depend solely on verified news sources for updates on situations in Iran. Through a post on social media platform X, he highlighted that foreign accounts are disseminating misinformation about the nation's internal matters, calling the online reports entirely inaccurate and asking people to consult trustworthy outlets for news.

The country is experiencing widespread protests triggered by a surge in living costs, rampant inflation, and a staggering decline of the national currency. With the Iranian rial hitting all-time lows, public ire has grown due to economic challenges, unemployment, and the repercussions of international sanctions. What began as economic protests are now increasingly targeting the Islamic leadership in Iran, including strong criticisms of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei.

Demonstrations have flared in various provinces, with significant crowds reported in urban areas such as Tehran, Mashhad, and Kerman. Thousands have taken to the streets to express their grievances about economic conditions, inadequate governance, and declining quality of life.

Activist organizations report that at least 544 individuals have lost their lives during the government's crackdown on these protests, with over 10,600 individuals detained in recent weeks. Most of those killed are said to be demonstrators, although some security personnel have also died. Iranian authorities have yet to release any official figures regarding casualties nationwide, but state media has broadcast funerals of deceased security forces and footage depicting violence occurring in some regions.

With internet access heavily restricted and phone services disrupted, gathering reliable information from within Iran has become a significant challenge. Activists and human rights organizations express concern that the communication blackout has empowered hardline factions within the security forces to intensify their responses to protestors.

The global community is keeping a watchful eye on the unrest, with the United States actively monitoring developments. President Donald Trump has mentioned that his administration is evaluating various potential responses to Iran's management of the protests, including cyber actions and possible military options. He cautioned that substantial measures could follow if the situation deteriorates.

In retaliation, senior Iranian leaders have cautioned that any external intervention will provoke countermeasures. Officials from Iran have stated that American military installations and Israeli targets in the area would be valid targets if the U.S. applies force against Iran. Hardline sentiments have intensified in Iran's parliament, where lawmakers are vocally condemning the U.S. and Israel while threatening preemptive actions.

Despite the government's stern posture, protests continue to emerge randomly. Videos that have circulated online show demonstrators gathering at night, brandishing mobile phone lights, chanting slogans, and confronting security personnel in different neighborhoods.

Reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian recognized the public's grievances but asserted that while concerns need to be addressed, the government will not permit what he referred to as "rioters" to undermine the stability of the nation.

Faced with intensifying economic strains and growing political tensions, Iran finds itself in the midst of one of its most severe domestic crises in recent history, with the situation remaining dynamic and under international scrutiny.