Regime Survival at the Cost of a Bloodbath
The nationwide uprising, which began on December 28, 2025, in response to absolute poverty and the systematic looting of public wealth, has once again exposed the true nature of the ruling regime in Iran to the world. The events of recent days prove that the religious dictatorship recognizes no moral or legal boundaries in its quest to retain power. The Iranian regime has demonstrated that instead of hearing the cries of hunger and the people’s demand for sovereignty, it responds only with the language of torture, repression, and lead. This regime is prepared to turn city streets into rivers of blood rather than yield to the most basic demands of the populace, as it views any concession as synonymous with its total collapse.
Identification of 8 Protesters Who Fell for Freedom (Until January 1, 2026)
- Dariush Ansari Bakhtiarvand (Fooladshahr, Isfahan) – Fallen for Freedom
Dariush Ansari, 37, was targeted by direct fire from regime mercenaries during the courageous protests in Fooladshahr on December 31. Known among the city’s youth for his bravery, he fell victim to indiscriminate “shoot-to-kill” tactics employed by Special Unit forces. Resistance Units reported from the scene: “Dariush was at the frontlines; mercenaries in a white Samand vehicle shot him in the head from close range to intimidate the crowd, but his sacrifice only further ignited the city’s fury.”
- Amir-Hossein (Amir-Hesam) Khodayari-Fard (Koohdasht, Lorestan) – Slain Protester
This 26-year-old youth was slain by security forces in Koohdasht’s Liberty Square on December 31. The regime attempted to fabricate a false identity for him, claiming he was a “Basij” member to evade accountability; however, the Iranian Resistance debunked these claims, identifying him as a dedicated son of the uprising. His family stated in a brief message: “Amir-Hossein never surrendered to oppression. He stood for bread and freedom, and we will not allow his pure blood to be misappropriated by the regime’s deceitful media.”
- Shayan Asadollahi (Azna, Lorestan) – Fallen for Freedom
Shayan, 30, lost his life on January 1 in Azna—a city that has become a flashpoint of the conflict—after being struck by live ammunition in the chest. He remains a symbol of the steadfastness of Lorestan’s youth against tyranny. Eyewitnesses reported that security forces prevented medical aid even after Shayan was shot, attacking protesters attempting to transport him with tear gas.
- Wahab Ghaedi (Mousavi) (Azna, Lorestan) – Slain Protester
Wahab was slain by henchmen on the same bloody night of January 1 in Azna while defending his fellow protesters. His name has been officially registered by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) as a pioneer of the uprising. According to the Iran Human Rights Society (HRS), Wahab’s family was pressured to declare his cause of death as an “accident” in exchange for his body, but they courageously stood against this extortion.
- Mostafa (15-year-old adolescent – Azna, Lorestan) – Fallen for Freedom
Mostafa, a brave 15-year-old targeted by war-grade ammunition, is the most heart-wrenching figure of the uprising to date. His killing proves that the regime issues death warrants even for children. Resistance reports indicate that Mostafa’s small body was abducted by security forces to prevent a public funeral from transforming into a massive anti-government demonstration.
- Sajjad Valamanesh Zilayi (Lordegan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari) – Slain Protester
Sajjad, 28, was targeted by direct fire in the city of Lordegan on January 1. He was a proud member of the Bakhtiari people who sacrificed his life for freedom in front of the city’s governorate building.
- Ahmad Jalil (Lordegan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari) – Fallen for Freedom
Ahmad, a 21-year-old youth from Lordegan, was slain by gunfire alongside Sajjad following a brutal raid by the Special Guard against protesters. His name was among the first eight victims officially released by the Resistance.
- Khodadad Shirvani Monfared (Marvdasht, Fars) – Slain Protester
Khodadad Shirvani was shot on the streets of Marvdasht on January 1. His funeral procession, marked by chants of “Death to the Dictator,” evolved into a new battlefield against the regime.
Statistical Documentation and International Obligations
The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) and the Secretariat of the NCRI emphasize that the actual death toll of slain protesters is significantly higher than the eight confirmed names. Reports of casualties from cities such as Zahedan, Nurabad, and Harsin have been received; however, due to severe telecommunication disruptions, the verification process for these identities is ongoing.
Given the persistent slaughter, United Nations human rights bodies and Amnesty International must immediately dispatch fact-finding missions to Iran to prevent a recurrence of the 2019 massacre and must condemn regime officials for crimes against humanity. Furthermore, it is the duty of democratic governments to move beyond mere statements; they must expel the regime’s ambassadors and make all economic dealings contingent upon an immediate cessation of the killings and the release of all detainees. Silence in the face of these atrocities serves as a green light for the dictatorship to continue its campaign of torture and execution.
