Iran’s anti-government protests have turned increasingly deadly on day 13, with at least 45 people, including nine children, reportedly killed, as a fierce state crackdown, sharp international warnings, and a strong response from U.S. President Donald Trump deepen an already volatile crisis.

Trump said “Iran’s in big trouble” and warned that the United States would respond forcefully if the regime resorts to mass violence.

Iran is witnessing one of its most violent stretches of unrest in recent years as nationwide anti-government protests entered their 13th consecutive day. According to human rights organisations and activists tracking the situation, at least 45 people have been killed so far, among them nine children, while hundreds more have sustained injuries.

The demonstrations, which began as expressions of public anger against economic hardship and political repression, have spread rapidly across major cities and provincial towns, drawing an increasingly forceful response from state security forces.

Witness accounts and verified footage circulating online show scenes of burning buildings, clashes between protesters and police, and heavy security deployment in residential areas. Protesters have continued to gather despite the risks, chanting slogans against the government and demanding greater freedoms, economic relief and accountability from those in power.

As the unrest intensifies, fear and uncertainty grip ordinary citizens, many of whom are struggling to go about daily life amid roadblocks, curfews and sporadic violence.

US Reaction

President Donald Trump weighed in on the escalating crisis, asserting that “Iran’s in big trouble” as nationwide protests persist and the death toll rises.

Trump warned that the United States would respond forcefully if the Iranian regime resorts to widespread violence against its own people, signalling Washington’s heightened concern over both human rights abuses and regional stability.

While Trump did not outline specific measures, his comments underline a stark diplomatic pressure on Tehran and reflect a broader international focus on the unfolding unrest.

Heavy Crackdown and Conflicting Claims

Iranian authorities have defended their actions, describing the protests as “riots” orchestrated by foreign-backed groups seeking to destabilise the country. State media reports quote interior ministry officials claiming that security forces are acting to protect public property and civilian lives.

However, independent observers and rights groups dispute these claims, accusing the authorities of using excessive force, including live ammunition, mass arrests and intimidation tactics.

Hospitals in protest-hit areas are reportedly overwhelmed, with medical workers treating large numbers of injured protesters suffering from gunshot wounds, baton injuries and the effects of tear gas. Families of victims say they have faced pressure not to speak to the media or hold public funerals, further fuelling anger and grief.

The deaths of children have drawn particular outrage, with activists accusing the state of failing to protect its most vulnerable citizens during the crackdown.

Voices From the Ground

For many Iranians, the protests reflect years of accumulated frustration rather than a single trigger. Rising inflation, unemployment, and shortages of essential goods have eroded living standards, while restrictions on civil liberties and dissent have left people feeling unheard.

Protesters interviewed by international media have said they no longer fear speaking out, even in the face of violence.

One protester, quoted anonymously for safety reasons, said, “We know the risks, but staying silent feels worse. People are tired of promises that never change anything.” Such sentiments underscore the depth of discontent driving the demonstrations and explain why they have persisted despite the escalating danger.

Internet Blackouts and Information Control

As unrest spread, Iranian authorities imposed intermittent internet shutdowns and restrictions on social media platforms, limiting the flow of information both within the country and to the outside world.

While officials argue that such measures are necessary to curb misinformation and violence, critics see them as attempts to conceal the scale of the crackdown and silence dissenting voices.

Despite these restrictions, videos and images continue to emerge through virtual private networks and other workarounds, showing clashes, funerals and grieving families.

These visuals have played a crucial role in drawing international attention to the situation, even as the lack of verified official data leaves many questions unanswered.

International Reaction and U.S. Warning

The violence has triggered strong reactions abroad, particularly from the United States. President Donald Trump warned that “Iran’s in big trouble” and said Washington would respond forcefully if the Iranian regime resorts to mass violence against its people.

His remarks have added a sharp diplomatic edge to the crisis, heightening tensions between Tehran and Washington at a time when relations are already strained.

Other international actors have urged restraint and called for respect for human rights, though responses have varied in tone. While some governments emphasise dialogue and de-escalation, Iranian leaders have accused foreign powers of interference, arguing that external pressure only emboldens unrest and undermines national sovereignty.

A History of Protest

Iran has seen repeated waves of protests over the past decade, often sparked by economic grievances or social restrictions, and frequently met with harsh crackdowns. Previous movements have ended with mass arrests, deaths and tighter controls, leaving deep scars on society. The current unrest follows a familiar pattern but appears broader in scale and intensity, suggesting that underlying issues remain unresolved.

Analysts note that each cycle of protest and repression further erodes trust between the state and citizens. As economic challenges persist and political space remains limited, the likelihood of renewed unrest continues to loom, raising concerns about long-term stability and social cohesion.

The Human Cost Beyond Numbers

Beyond statistics and political statements lies a profound human toll. Families mourn loved ones lost, children grow up amid fear and uncertainty, and communities are divided by suspicion and grief. For many Iranians, the protests are not only about policy change but about dignity, voice and the right to live without fear.

Civil society groups stress that healing will require more than restoring order; it will demand accountability, transparency and meaningful engagement with citizens’ concerns. Without these steps, they warn, cycles of violence and unrest are likely to continue.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

The escalating violence in Iran is a stark reminder that suppression cannot substitute dialogue. The death of civilians, especially children, is a tragedy that should shock the conscience of the world.

While governments have a duty to maintain public order, responding to dissent with force only deepens wounds and delays peace. Equally, inflammatory rhetoric and threats from external powers risk worsening an already fragile situation.

The Logical Indian believes that empathy, open dialogue and respect for human rights are the only sustainable paths forward.