Iranian hospitals are overwhelmed with dead, injured as protests rage
Doctors and medics at three hospitals in Tehran told the BBC that facilities are overwhelmed, with patients suffering gunshot wounds from both live ammunition and pellets. One medic reported “direct shots to the heads of the young people, to their hearts as well,” while another said an eye hospital had gone into crisis mode.
The protests, which began two weeks ago in Tehran over economic hardship, have spread to more than 100 cities across all provinces. Hundreds are believed to have been killed or injured, with BBC Persian confirming the identities of 26 victims, including six children. Human rights groups say at least 14 members of the security forces have also died.
In Rasht city, BBC Persian verified that 70 bodies were delivered to Poursina Hospital on Friday night. With the morgue at full capacity, staff were forced to move the bodies elsewhere.
Relatives were reportedly asked to pay 7 billion rials (about £5,222 or $7,000) to release the remains for burial.
A hospital worker in Tehran described the overwhelming toll: “Around 38 people died. Many as soon as they reached the emergency beds… The number was so large that there wasn’t enough space in the morgue; the bodies were placed on top of one another. After the morgue became full, they stacked them on top of one another in the prayer room.”
The worker added that most victims were young, aged between 20 and 25.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has warned that killing protesters could trigger a military response. President Trump posted on social media: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” Iran has accused Washington of fueling unrest, calling the demonstrations “violent subversive acts and widespread vandalism.”
With a near-total internet blackout in place since Thursday, international media face severe challenges in verifying information from inside the country. The situation remains fluid, with hospitals and families bearing the brunt of the crisis.
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