Iran is sinking into a deep crisis. Since December 28, a wave of nationwide protests has shaken the regime. Between deadly repression, total digital censorship, and condemnations from the international community, here is an overview of this explosive situation.

1. An alarming human toll

Initially triggered by inflation and the fall in living standards, the protest quickly shifted towards a radical questioning of the regime.

1. Deaths and injuries: The NGO Iran Human Rights reports at least 51 deaths , including 9 children.
2. Methods of repression: Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch denounce the use of pellet guns, tear gas and water cannons against marches deemed "largely peaceful".
3. Acts of resistance: Despite the massive deployment of security forces, nighttime gatherings and honking horn concerts continue to defy the authorities in Tehran and the provinces.

2. The digital "blackout": a weapon of control

For the first time, Iran is experiencing a near-total internet blackout. According to the organization Netblocks, connectivity has plummeted to 1% of its normal level .

"The nationwide internet shutdown is not a technical problem, it's a tactic." — Shirin Ebadi , Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

This strategy of secrecy raises fears of the worst. Shirin Ebadi warns of the risk of an imminent "massacre," facilitated by the impossibility for citizens to witness or disseminate images of the atrocities in real time.

3. An inflexible power in the face of pressure

The Iranian regime refuses any concessions and favours a hardline approach:

1. Firmness at the top: Supreme leader Ali Khamenei warned that the state would not "back down" in the face of what he calls sabotage.
2. Legal threats: The judiciary promises "maximum" repression against protesters labeled as rioters.
3. Media counter-offensive: State television broadcasts images of pro-government counter-demonstrations and emphasizes the material damage caused by the protesters.

4. Diplomatic escalation

The Iranian issue is becoming a major point of contention on the world stage. While NGOs are issuing numerous appeals for aid, the exiled opposition, led by Reza Pahlavi, is urging the United States and Donald Trump to intervene immediately. For its part, Tehran is pointing the finger at foreign interference to delegitimize popular anger.