Iranian Hospitals Overwhelmed as Protests Intensify Across the Country

Hospitals across Iran are struggling to cope with a surge of injured patients as anti-government protests continue nationwide, according to doctors and medics who spoke to the BBC.
A doctor in Tehran confirmed that Farabi Hospital, the capital’s main eye specialist centre, has gone into crisis mode due to the influx of injured protesters. Emergency services at the facility are reportedly overwhelmed, forcing the suspension of non-urgent admissions and surgeries, while additional staff have been called in to handle emergency cases.
The BBC also obtained video and audio messages from a medic working at a hospital in the south-western city of Shiraz. The medic said large numbers of injured people were being brought in and that the hospital lacked enough surgeons to manage the situation. He claimed many of the wounded had sustained gunshot injuries, particularly to the head and eyes.
The situation comes as protests, which began on 28 December, spread to dozens of cities across Iran. Despite tight restrictions on international media and a near-total internet blackout imposed since Thursday evening, reports continue to emerge through satellite connections such as Starlink.
Human rights organisations have reported rising casualties. The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) said at least 50 protesters and 15 security personnel have been killed so far, with more than 2,311 people arrested. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) reported at least 51 protesters killed, including nine children. BBC Persian has confirmed the identities of 22 of the victims after speaking with their families.
International concern has continued to mount. United Nations Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the UN was “very disturbed” by the loss of life, stressing that people have the right to demonstrate peacefully and that governments have a responsibility to protect that right.
Leaders of France, the United Kingdom, and Germany — President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz — issued a joint statement urging Iranian authorities to protect their population and allow freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal.
Meanwhile, Iran has blamed foreign interference for the unrest. In a letter to the UN Security Council, Tehran accused the United States of turning the protests into what it described as “violent subversive acts and widespread vandalism.” On Friday, US President Donald Trump warned Iran was in “big trouble” and cautioned against the use of force on protesters.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, struck a defiant tone in a televised address, saying the Islamic Republic “will not back down” and would not hesitate to deal with what he called “destructive elements.” He later reiterated the message during a gathering of supporters broadcast on state television.
In contrast, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, praised the protests as “magnificent” and called on Iranians to continue with targeted demonstrations over the weekend.
As protests persist and information remains difficult to verify due to media restrictions and internet shutdowns, concerns continue to grow over the humanitarian and human rights situation inside the country.