Iranian Doctors Disappear Amid Regime Crackdown on Protests

January 22, 2026 – Iranian ⁤doctors are reportedly vanishing after ⁤being arrested for providing‍ medical care to victims of the ongoing protests against the‍ Islamic Republic, revealing a ​disturbing escalation in the regime’s crackdown. Authorities are snatching medical professionals who allegedly failed to report gunshot wound victims to security forces, sparking ‍fear adn desperation within the medical ​community and among the families of those arrested.

Targeting of ⁢Medical Professionals

The brutal Islamist regime, led by Supreme Leader ali Khamenei, has initiated a campaign to silence and intimidate‌ those offering aid to protesters. Henchmen are⁢ actively seeking out and arresting doctors who have treated individuals ⁢injured during demonstrations. ⁣Loved ones fear those arrested will be disappeared, highlighting the⁤ severity⁢ of the situation.

Among those ​reported missing is dr.Babak Zarabian, an infectious disease specialist⁣ from Isfahan, who was arrested on January 13th. He is among ⁢a growing list of medical ⁢professionals targeted, including dentist Dr. Fariba Hosseini,‌ paediatrician Mohabbat Ghafoori, and general practitioner Dr. Asghar Shakeri. Dr. Zarabian had been treating victims of the⁤ regime’s‌ violent suppression of protests, which has ‍reportedly claimed at least 2,600 lives in ‌the past 18 days.

Systematic Intimidation and Arrests

A physician in Iran, speaking anonymously​ to IranWire, revealed the ‍extent of the intimidation campaign. “During this period, a large number of doctors have been threatened and subjected to legal⁢ prosecution,”‍ the source stated. “They have turned on those who have publicly stated that ​they provide free medical care to protestors injured in demonstrations. Thes doctors have been summoned and threatened by security ⁤forces.”

The Ministry⁢ of Intelligence is reportedly demanding patient information from doctors, arresting those who refuse to comply. This blatant disregard for medical confidentiality and ethical obligations underscores the regime’s desperation to control the ⁤narrative and suppress dissent. ⁤Several colleagues⁣ of ⁢those arrested, including⁣ those at Milad Hospital ⁤where Dr. Zarabian works,have also been detained,and families are reportedly fleeing into hiding ⁤as⁢ authorities seize computers and other evidence.

Widespread Fear and ⁤a ‍Collapsing Healthcare System

The crackdown on ‌medical professionals is exacerbating an already dire ⁢situation within ⁣Iran’s​ healthcare system. ​ The‌ Guardian reports hundreds of gunshot eye injuries have been documented in a single ⁤Tehran hospital, indicating the scale of ‌violence⁤ and the overwhelming strain on medical resources. The BBC has reported that ⁢hospitals across Iran⁣ are overwhelmed with the dead and‌ injured, struggling to⁢ cope ​with the influx of​ casualties.

The situation has led some ​Iranian doctors to establish secret, underground ⁢hospitals to provide care to protesters without fear of reprisal. This desperate measure highlights the breakdown of trust in the official healthcare system and⁣ the lengths to which medical professionals are⁤ willing to go‍ to uphold their ethical obligations.

Broader Repression and international Response

The targeting of ‍doctors is part of a broader pattern of repression ⁣aimed at crushing the protests.⁣ Citizens are reportedly living in fear,with many ‌afraid to leave their homes. ‍Reports indicate that individuals are​ being held hostage in their homes by ‍the Islamic​ revolutionary guard Corps (IRGC), who are patrolling the​ streets with tanks and armed vehicles.

Recent reports suggest a potential de-escalation in the​ violence, with former U.S. President‍ Donald‌ Trump claiming sources informed him that the ⁢regime had halted executions and paused the killings of protesters.This​ claim reportedly ‌stalled a‌ potential U.S. military strike. Though, the White House has warned of “grave consequences” if the violence resumes. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced⁢ that “there is ‌no plan for​ hanging at all – hanging is out of the question,” though the situation remains volatile.

Key Takeaways

• Iranian doctors are being arrested and disappearing for treating injured protesters.
• The regime is ⁣systematically intimidating⁣ medical professionals and demanding patient information.
• Hospitals are overwhelmed, and doctors are resorting to establishing secret facilities.
• The crackdown⁤ is ⁤part of a ‌broader pattern of repression aimed at crushing dissent.
• The international community is closely monitoring the situation, ‌with potential for ​further intervention.

The ongoing crisis in Iran represents a grave threat to human rights‍ and public health. The targeting of medical professionals is a ⁣particularly alarming development, signaling a complete ​disregard for ethical principles and a willingness to suppress ‌any form of opposition. The international community must continue ⁣to pressure the Iranian regime to end the violence,release those unjustly detained,and respect the basic‍ rights‌ of its citizens.