An Iranian doctor has accused the Islamic regime of systematically executing injured protesters although they were receiving hospital treatment, alleging that security forces shot patients in the head. The doctor, whose identity has not been publicly released for fear of reprisal, provided details of the alleged practice to sources outside of Iran, sparking international concern.
The allegations arrive amid a continuing crackdown on dissent following widespread protests that erupted in late 2022 and have continued, albeit with fluctuating intensity, into 2026. While initial protests were triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, who died in custody after being arrested by morality police, the unrest quickly broadened into a challenge to the authority of the Islamic Republic.
Reports of escalating violence against protesters have surfaced repeatedly. CBS News reported in February 2026 that over 12,000 people are feared dead following the protests, citing video footage appearing to show bodies lined up at morgues. The exact number of casualties remains difficult to verify independently, given restrictions on reporting within Iran.
The Jerusalem Post reported that Iranian authorities fear a potential U.S. Strike could reignite protests and further imperil the regime’s hold on power. This concern reportedly stems from a perceived vulnerability linked to the ongoing internal unrest and the potential for external intervention to exacerbate the situation. The report suggests that the Iranian government is attempting to balance its regional ambitions with the need to maintain domestic stability.
Recent surveys indicate a growing consensus among Iranians regarding the need for regime change, although there is significant disagreement about what should replace the current system, according to a report by The Conversation. The surveys reveal a broad desire for political transformation, but a lack of unified vision for a post-Islamic Republic Iran. This internal division presents a challenge for any potential transition of power.
The alleged targeting of injured protesters in hospitals represents a significant escalation in the government’s response to the unrest. If confirmed, the practice would constitute a grave violation of medical neutrality and international humanitarian law. The international community has yet to issue a unified response to the doctor’s allegations, and the Iranian government has remained silent on the matter.
