Medics Describe Overwhelmed Hospitals as Iran Protests Continue
The ongoing protests in Iran have led to a dire situation in the country's healthcare system, according to medical professionals. A doctor and a medic from two different hospitals shared their experiences with the BBC, highlighting the overwhelming influx of injured patients.
One doctor reported that a Tehran eye hospital had entered crisis mode, while a medic from another hospital claimed they lacked sufficient surgeons to manage the surge in patients. The tension escalated as US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning, stating that Iran was in 'big trouble' and that any use of force would be met with a proportional response.
In a letter to the UN Security Council, Iran accused the US of inciting violence and vandalism during the protests. However, international leaders emphasized the importance of protecting the right to peaceful protest. The protests, which have taken place in numerous cities, have resulted in the deaths of at least 50 protesters, as reported by two human rights groups.
The BBC and other international news organizations face restrictions on reporting inside Iran, and the country has imposed a near-total internet blackout since Thursday evening, complicating the verification of information. A doctor from Iran, using Starlink satellite internet, revealed that Farabi Hospital, a major eye specialist center in Tehran, had become overwhelmed, leading to the suspension of non-urgent admissions and surgeries.
A medic from Shiraz provided a video and audio message, detailing the hospital's struggle to manage a high influx of injured individuals, many with gunshot wounds to the head and eyes. Since the protests began on December 28, the death toll has risen to at least 50 protesters and 15 security personnel, according to the Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA). Over 2,311 individuals have also been arrested.
The Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) organization reported a higher death toll of at least 51 protesters, including nine children. BBC Persian has confirmed the identities of 22 of the deceased through their families. The United Nations Secretary-General's spokesperson expressed deep concern over the loss of life, emphasizing the universal right to peaceful demonstration.
French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement, urging the Iranian authorities to protect their citizens and uphold freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Despite the escalating tensions, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remained defiant, vowing not to back down in the face of opposition.
The son of Iran's last shah, Reza Pahlavi, praised the protests as 'magnificent' and encouraged further targeted demonstrations. Pahlavi, a prominent opposition figure, plans to return to the country and aims to seize and hold city centers.
Former British Ambassador to Iran, Sir Simon Gass, cautioned against hasty discussions of regime change, citing the lack of an organized opposition within Iran. He noted that the current protests involve a broader range of protesters, driven by economic struggles, unlike previous movements.
At the White House, President Trump expressed concern over the situation in Iran, acknowledging the people's control over certain cities. He warned the Iranian leadership of severe consequences if they resort to violence, emphasizing that US involvement would not include boots on the ground.
The US State Department responded to Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, by labeling his comments as 'delusional' and aimed at deflecting domestic challenges. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed support for the Iranian people, while political activist Taghi Rahmani expressed skepticism about American support, warning against foreign intervention that could compromise national interests.
