Iran declares ’red line’

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared a 'red line' for anti-government protesters in Iran. The IRGC warned on Saturday (January 10) that this line cannot be crossed in any way to protect the country's security.

The protests that have been going on since December 28 against the sharp depreciation of the rial, the abnormal increase in the prices of daily necessities and the unbearable cost of living have become widespread. The warning comes at a time when this is happening. However, what exactly the IRGC means by the red line has not been disclosed. At the same time, the Iranian military said that it will take the utmost measures to protect public resources and strategic installations. In a statement broadcast on Iranian state TV, the IRGC claimed that "terrorist groups" have attacked military and law enforcement installations over the past two nights. Several civilians and security personnel were killed.

The IRGC said that protecting the achievements of the 1979 Islamic Revolution and maintaining the country's security is a red line. Allowing the current situation to continue is unacceptable. That is why they are making every effort.

The country's authorities still have internet connections blocked. A witness in western Iran who contacted Reuters by telephone said that the IRGC was deployed around his area and that they were firing. He did not want to be identified for his safety. In this situation, US President Donald Trump issued a new warning to the Iranian leadership on Friday. On Saturday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "The United States stands with the brave people of Iran."

The Iranian government blames the US and Israel for inciting the protests. On the other hand, human rights groups said that more than a dozen protesters were killed in the protests.

The BBC reported that the death toll in the protests that spread across Iran has risen to 62. Human rights groups said that at least 48 of them were protesters and 14 members of the security forces.