As the protests in Iran persist, medics report hospitals are overwhelmed with injuries. One doctor describes a Tehran eye hospital in crisis mode, while a medic in another hospital confirms a lack of surgeons to handle the influx of patients. The situation has escalated with US President Donald Trump's warning of potential military retaliation. Iran's letter to the UN Security Council accuses the US of inciting violence, while international leaders emphasize the right to peaceful protest. Anti-government protests have spread to dozens of cities, with reports of at least 50 protesters killed. The BBC and other international news outlets face restrictions inside Iran, and the country experiences an internet blackout, complicating information gathering and verification. A doctor from Tehran reports Farabi Hospital's emergency services being overwhelmed, with non-urgent procedures suspended. A medic in Shiraz describes a similar scenario, with gunshot wounds to the head and eyes among the injured. Since the protests began, 50 protesters and 15 security personnel have been killed, with over 2,311 arrests. Human rights organizations in Norway and the US provide varying death tolls, and the UN expresses concern over the loss of life. French, UK, and German leaders call for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remains defiant, warning of a strong response to those denying the Islamic Republic's legitimacy. The son of Iran's last shah, Reza Pahlavi, praises the protests and calls for further action. Former British ambassador Sir Simon Gass advises caution on regime change discussions, citing the lack of organized opposition in Iran. The US administration monitors the situation, with Trump warning of severe consequences if Iran kills protesters. The US State Department criticizes Iran's foreign minister for deflecting from domestic challenges, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expresses support for the Iranian people. Iranian political activist Taghi Rahmani expresses skepticism about American support, warning of potential negative consequences for national interests.
