Isfahan [Iran], January 11 (ANI): Isfahan Governor Ali Ahmadi has confirmed that 30 security personnel were killed during what he described as foreign-backed unrest in the province, according to Iran’s state broadcaster Press TV.
Addressing the situation on Sunday, Ahmadi said funeral processions for the slain personnel are scheduled to be held on Monday. He also stated that civilian casualties were reported during the violence, including the death of a two-month-old infant.
Press TV reported that the riots caused extensive damage to public and religious property, with 10 mosques in Isfahan set on fire. In the neighboring province of Fars, at least 12 security personnel were also killed during the unrest, according to Ibrahim Bayani, Director General of the provincial Martyrs’ Foundation department.
Separately, Police Special Units Commander General Masoud Modaqq said eight members of his unit lost their lives in the violence. He noted that funerals for personnel under his command will be held on Monday and will coincide with a nationwide rally planned to condemn armed attacks and acts of terrorism attributed to foreign-linked agents. Officials alleged that these groups diverted protests that were initially triggered by economic grievances.
Authorities said the total number of casualties, including both security personnel and civilians, has not yet been officially announced. Multiple attacks targeting medical and aid facilities were also reported across the country.
Press TV said that in Iran’s northern province of Gilan, one voluntary Red Crescent staff member was killed in an attack, while five other Red Crescent workers were injured in separate incidents elsewhere.
Iranian officials reiterated that public protests over economic hardship are legitimate and would be addressed, but stressed that violence and sabotage would not be tolerated. Authorities alleged that rioters exploited public anger over rising living costs and the sharp fall of the rial, blaming the situation on unilateral US sanctions targeting Iran’s central bank and oil exports.
Security and judicial officials also announced that several armed terror cells had been dismantled and individuals described as foreign-linked operatives had been arrested.
Iranian leaders further accused American and Israeli figures of encouraging the violence, citing warnings by United States President Donald Trump that Washington could attack Iran if “peaceful protesters” were harmed, as well as remarks by former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo suggesting Israeli intelligence involvement and separatist plots.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Friday that the Islamic Republic “will not back down against vandals” and emphasized that those acting as foreign mercenaries would not be tolerated. (ANI)
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