Iran's judiciary chief has announced that those involved in recent anti-government protests will face severe punishment, stating that investigations will be conducted with the utmost rigor and without leniency. The protests, which began over rising living costs, quickly escalated into a major challenge to the country's clerical leadership, leading to a harsh government crackdown and a nationwide internet blackout.

Official figures put the death toll from the unrest at over 3,000, but rights groups estimate the number of confirmed deaths to be much higher, with one organization reporting more than 5,000 confirmed fatalities and tens of thousands more under review. Reports suggest that in Tehran alone, over 36,000 civilians may have been killed during the suppression of protests in early January.

International reactions have been strong, with the United States warning of possible military intervention if Iran executes protest detainees, although recent statements indicate a softer stance following claims that Iran has paused hundreds of planned executions.