Iran's Ongoing Crackdown: Protests, Casualties, and Family Tragedies

The Iranian regime is facing significant unrest as protests erupt across the country, leading to a violent crackdown by security forces. Reports indicate that the death toll from these protests has reached at least 4,519, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, while Iranian official media claims the number is around 3,117. This discrepancy highlights the conflicting narratives surrounding the protests and the government's response.

Ali Khamenei will resist 'to the last drop of blood,' his nephew tells Euronews

The protests began in late December 2025, initially sparked by economic grievances but quickly evolving into a broader movement against the authoritarian regime led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Mahmoud Moradkhani, Khamenei's nephew and a vocal opponent of the regime, asserts that the Supreme Leader will resist until his last breath, drawing parallels to other historical dictators. Moradkhani believes that the regime will ultimately collapse due to internal rivalries following Khamenei's death.

Ali Khamenei will resist 'to the last drop of blood,' his nephew tells EuronewsFamily of Iranian protester forced to search through piles of bloody corpses

Mahmoud Moradkhani, now an ENT doctor in France, has been a long-time critic of the Iranian government. He expresses hope for a diplomatic transition towards a republic in Iran, emphasizing the need for organized opposition. In stark contrast, Robina Aminian, a 23-year-old fashion student, became a tragic symbol of the regime's brutality when she was shot in the back of the head during a protest on January 8, 2026. Her family faced immense challenges in retrieving her body, navigating a system that reportedly demands bribes for the return of deceased protesters.

Ali Khamenei will resist 'to the last drop of blood,' his nephew tells Euronews

The ordeal of Aminian's family illustrates the harsh realities faced by those who oppose the regime. After her death, her mother, Amina, traveled from Kermanshah to Tehran to recover her daughter’s body, only to be forced to search through piles of corpses in a morgue. The family ultimately buried Robina in an unmarked grave after being denied permission for a proper funeral, highlighting the regime's efforts to suppress public mourning and dissent.

Family of Iranian protester forced to search through piles of bloody corpses

Critics, including Robina's aunt, Hali Noori, have called for international action against the Iranian government, labeling the situation a "crime against humanity." Noori urges the global community to sever ties with the regime and support the Iranian people's struggle for freedom. Moradkhani also expresses disappointment with the perceived abandonment of the protesters by international leaders, including former US President Donald Trump.

Ali Khamenei will resist 'to the last drop of blood,' his nephew tells Euronews

There is a notable discrepancy in casualty figures reported by various sources. While Human Rights Activists News Agency cites over 4,500 deaths, Iranian state media reports a significantly lower number of approximately 3,117. This divergence raises questions about the accuracy of information disseminated by the government and the challenges faced by independent organizations in verifying these figures.

Ali Khamenei will resist 'to the last drop of blood,' his nephew tells Euronews

• “**I don't think he'll give up. Ali Khamenei is one of those dictators like Ceausescu. They will stay until the last minute. They will believe in their truth, their words. They cannot accept anything else and they will resist to the last drop of blood” — Mahmoud Moradkhani, Nephew of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Ali Khamenei will resist 'to the last drop of blood,' his nephew tells Euronews

• “What is happening in Iran is a crime against humanity. To remain silent is to be complicit in it. Close the Iranian embassies, stand with the Iranian people, not with the Islamic Republic,” — Hali Noori, Aunt of Robina Aminian

Denied mourning: The ordeal of the family of Robina Aminian, killed in Iran

• “She wanted a bright future for herself. But unfortunately, the future has been stolen from her.” — Nezar Minoei, Uncle of Robina Aminian

Family of Iranian protester forced to search through piles of bloody corpses

The situation in Iran remains dire as the regime continues its violent suppression of dissent, leading to tragic losses and a call for international support for the Iranian people's quest for justice and freedom.

Ali Khamenei will resist 'to the last drop of blood,' his nephew tells Euronews