Eyewitness Account of the IRGC and Proxy Crimes in Iran; Protesters' Hope for a 'Crushing Blow' from the U.S. to the Regime

As Iran has entered a phase of severe repression since January 8, 2025, with widespread internet outages and communication disruptions, reports indicate that nationwide protests continue. Field accounts have become more crucial than ever, serving as effective tools for independent verification. One such account comes from an eyewitness who sent details of the regime's horrific crimes against protesters to Voice of America on January 8, 2025. This eyewitness states that the Quds Force, the extraterritorial branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the Islamic Republic's proxy forces play a central role in street repression. Specifically, they say: 'The backbone of repression is the Quds Force, with the participation of the Fatemiyoun Brigade and the Zainabiyoun Brigade, who are currently engaged in killings in the streets.' The eyewitness's account describes widespread slaughter and unprecedented crimes in contemporary Iranian history, the true and horrific dimensions of which will only become clear if the internet is restored. They further mention that these forces comprise about 100,000 personnel, many of whom are non-Iranian. This account comes amid previous reports of the use of proxy and non-native forces in repression. The eyewitness notes that under the pressure of communication cuts, even alternative tools like Starlink have been severely restricted. Economically, they highlight the people's motivation for resistance through ongoing strikes and stagnation, stating: 'Markets remain closed, businesses are shut down or partially operational, and transactions are nearly zero.' The eyewitness emphasizes that there is significant hope in the streets for foreign intervention or support, with a widespread belief in a crushing blow from the U.S. to the regime. One of the most bitter parts of the account is the description of the collapse of the possibility for treatment and mourning. The eyewitness states that many injured individuals cannot go to hospitals: 'They can't go to hospitals; the regime kidnaps people at the entrances and exits of hospitals,' adding that many have had to quickly bury their dead in undisclosed locations. Media estimates the recent death toll to be up to 12,000, with sources indicating that the actual number could be higher, as many deaths have not yet been reported to national statistical agencies, and the regime has buried many bodies before identification under the label of unknown. In the streets, there is significant hope for foreign intervention or support, with a general perception of a crushing blow from the U.S. to the regime. The UN Human Rights Committee has called for the immediate restoration of internet access and has warned that threats or unilateral military intervention would violate international law. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also stated that cutting off the internet conceals violations and intensifies repression. Experts warn that this 'digital blackout' makes documenting killings and human rights abuses difficult and provides security forces with cover to use deadly force against protesters with less media scrutiny. In Europe, discussions of new sanctions and punitive measures against those responsible for repression have emerged, with the EU banning all diplomatic staff and representatives of the Islamic Republic from its buildings. In the UK, there have been talks of further sanctions and summoning the ambassador, while in the U.S., in addition to Donald Trump's statements about aiding protesters, there have been discussions of economic pressure through a 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran. Trump has repeatedly warned about the regime's killings of protesters and its repressive apparatus, stating that if the Iranian government begins killing protesters, the U.S. will take practical steps to assist the people and target the regime. He has emphasized: 'We will hit them very hard, exactly where it hurts the most. This does not mean sending ground troops, but it will be a very heavy blow.' On January 8, Trump also issued a clear and firm message on Truth Social, urging Iranian protesters to continue their protests and seize institutions: 'Help is on the way.' The eyewitness notes that victims of repression were not just ordinary protesters; even women who came out in chadors were 'attacked.' Trump, in his message to 'patriotic Iranians,' wrote: 'Continue your protests and seize your institutions.' He also urged protesters to document and preserve the names of 'killers and repressors,' warning that these individuals 'will pay a heavy price.' The U.S. President further announced that in response to the killings of protesters, 'all meetings and contacts with Iranian officials' have been canceled, emphasizing that this decision will remain until the 'senseless killing of protesters stops.' Trump concluded his message with a clear tone: 'Help is on the way.' He reiterated his message to Iranian protesters during a speech in Michigan hours later. Despite this unprecedented repression, videos shared on social media indicate that the widespread uprising of the Iranian people against the Islamic Republic continues, despite killings, arrests, and communication cuts. This shows that protests have not subsided, and large segments of society continue to stand against the government. Observers believe that what is currently happening in Iran represents one of the most serious challenges to the survival of the Islamic Republic in over four decades.