U.S. State Department: Suppression Will Not Silence the Voices of the Iranian People; We Stand in Solidarity with You

The Persian-language account of the U.S. State Department on the social media platform X reacted to the widespread uprising in Iran, the complete shutdown of the internet, and the intensified crackdown on protesters by the Islamic Republic. It expressed solidarity with the people and emphasized that the will of the Iranian people cannot be extinguished by cutting off the internet. One of the messages stated: "The Islamic Republic regime completely cut off the internet to silence the voices of the Iranian people, but you cannot turn off will like a network connection." The U.S. State Department addressed the protesters, saying: "People of Iran: The world still hears and sees you!" In another message, referring to the twelfth day of the national uprising, it wrote: "Iranians in Tehran, like many others in cities across Iran, have taken to the streets and are standing up for their rights and aspirations." The message continued: "On the twelfth day of protests, the Islamic Republic regime has so far killed at least 38 people, arrested over 2,200, and is shooting at protesters, but this has not stopped the people of Iran." The U.S. State Department also announced that the scope of the protests "has expanded to 111 cities" and "businesses and markets across the country have been shut down." The message emphasized: "Voices calling for change are resonating across the country and are unwilling to be silenced." The Persian account of the U.S. State Department stressed the resilience of the protesters, stating: "The determination of the Iranian people sends a powerful message that cannot be ignored." The message directly addressed Iranian citizens, adding: "To the people of Iran: Your courage in demanding your rights is commendable, and we stand in solidarity with you." Another message referenced new threats from the Islamic Republic's judicial officials. The U.S. State Department wrote: "Once again, the head of the Islamic Republic's judiciary threatened protesters that 'this time no one will be granted leniency.'" It further emphasized: "The Islamic Republic regime relies on threats and intimidation instead of addressing the roots of unrest." The message concluded with a warning to the Islamic Republic: "The world is watching."