Protests in Iran: Opposition Claims Capture of Two Cities, Authorities Deny It

According to reports, the city of Abdanan, located near the border with Iraq, has come completely under the control of protesters. This information was provided by Fox News based on statements from the Iranian opposition group - the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).

The opposition also reports a similar situation in the city of Malekshahi, which is located in Ilam province. Ali Safavi, a member of the NCRI's Foreign Affairs Committee, noted in an interview with Fox News that the residents of these cities "effectively control the situation" and are actively celebrating their achievements in the streets.

Maryam Rajavi, the president of the National Council of Human Rights of Iran, expressed her support for the protesters through a message on social media platform X, emphasizing that the demonstrators "forced the regime's security forces to retreat."

According to the German publication Bild, Iranian police in Abdanan reportedly applauded the protesters and greeted them, which was described as a "sign of regime instability."

Since the beginning of the winter months, mass anti-government protests have continued in Iran, triggered by rising inflation and the devaluation of the national currency - the rial. According to the opposition, protests have spread to about 100 cities across the country. Authorities are using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrations, and there have also been reports of internet connectivity disruptions.

The human rights organization Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports at least 36 fatalities during the protests and over 2,000 arrests.

Reza Pahlavi, the leader of the Iranian opposition, stated that there is a "historic opportunity" for a change of power, while Iranian officials insist that the protests are the result of a "foreign conspiracy."

U.S. President Donald Trump previously stated that the United States would "come to help" if Iranian security forces began killing protesters. In Tehran, these words were deemed reckless, and threats were made to strike American bases in the region.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated that "the rioters need to be put in their place" and promised to "not yield to the enemy." Iranian journalist Abbas Juma commented on reports from the British newspaper The Times about a possible escape of Khamenei to Russia, calling them unlikely and lacking serious grounds.