Protests continue in Iran and executions do not stop. A military solution cannot be ruled out

The British television channel BBC reported the execution in Mashhad of fitness trainer Ali Rahbar, who was detained about ten days ago. Opposition sources claim that there were other executions on the same day. It is noted that the Iranian authorities do not deny the continuation of executions, but claim that they are executing criminals (murderers, drug dealers, etc.), and not protest participants.

According to HRANA (Human Rights Activists News Agency), cited by Western media, more than 4,900 deaths have been confirmed, and approximately 9,300 more reports of deaths are being verified. The number of detainees exceeds 26 thousand people.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, Mai Sato, stated that the number of civilian deaths was at least 5,000, but, according to medical sources inside Iran, up to 20 thousand or more people could have died.

Iranian authorities released their own estimate, announcing 3,117 deaths, including security forces.

Iranian opposition media note that US President Donald Trump, making contradictory statements about the situation in Iran, is wishful thinking – the protests have not stopped, the executions have not stopped, people continue to die, the ayatollah regime does not take into account either Trump’s opinion or the opinion of other world leaders.

In the current situation, the likelihood of a military solution remains high. The US Army continues to concentrate forces in the Middle East. Increased readiness in Israel. In Europe, meanwhile, they continue to talk, first of all, about new sanctions against Tehran.