IRANIANS RESUME NORMAL LIFE IN CAPITAL MARKED BY DEADLY PROTESTS. (PHOTO).

 Iranians resume normal life in capital marked by deadly protests

Massive protests that gripped Iran in recent weeks appear to have largely ended following a brutal government crackdown that has left at least 3,117 people dead, according to official figures, though human rights organizations estimate a much higher toll. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported Friday that the death count may have reached 5,137, based on information gathered from supporters in Iran and verified through internal cross-checks.

The demonstrations initially erupted over economic struggles, including a collapsing rial and soaring inflation, but quickly escalated into one of the most significant challenges to the Islamic Republic in its 47-year history, as protesters called for the end of clerical rule. An ongoing internet blackout lasting more than two weeks has made independent verification of events difficult, but Tehran’s streets show clear signs of the unrest. Burned and scarred buildings, including banks, government offices, and major supermarkets, remain as evidence of the protests, particularly in areas like District 7 and neighborhoods east of the city. Videos circulated online last week depicted security forces opening fire on crowds and bodies lined up at a forensic center south of Tehran, with some clips reportedly sent via smuggled satellite terminals.

Despite the recent violence, many residents of Tehran have begun returning to daily life, navigating the aftermath amid economic hardship. Iran has a history of recurring unrest, with major protests previously erupting in 1999, 2009, 2019, and 2022–2023. Analysts note that while the current wave has been suppressed, the country’s leadership faces long-term challenges, including an ailing supreme leader and no clear successor. Internationally, the crackdown has prompted backlash: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was disinvited from the World Economic Forum in Davos, and he issued a stark warning to the United States, saying Iran would respond forcefully if attacked. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump signaled a military presence in the region, stating that a flotilla is heading toward Iran as a precaution, underscoring the heightened tensions.