Tehran, Jan 13 (V7N)- While anti-government protests continue across Iran, millions of pro-government supporters have taken to the streets in a massive show of support for the ruling administration. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian joined the crowd at Inqilab Square in Tehran on Monday, participating in a rally condemning the protests and recent violence that have shaken the country for the past two weeks.

Senior government officials, including Chief Justice Gholam Hossein Mohseni, Vice President Reza Aref, and other high-ranking leaders, were also present at the rally. Similar pro-government demonstrations were held in several cities and regions, including Bushehr, Khorasan, Isfahan, Gilan, Sistan-Baluchistan, Bandar Abbas, and Chaharmahal, signaling nationwide support for the government.

After several days of internet restrictions, connectivity was restored on Monday, revealing the scale of damage caused by the unrest. Hospitals across the country are reportedly overwhelmed with injured individuals, while morgues are struggling to cope with the growing number of fatalities.

According to the US-based human rights organization HRANA, the death toll from the ongoing protests has risen to 645, as reported by Anadolu Agency on Tuesday. The organization also noted that Iranian security forces have intensified arrests and raids nationwide in an effort to suppress the demonstrations.

Meanwhile, international reactions to the crisis continue to mount. The United States has stated that military action against Iran is under consideration. White House spokesperson Carolyn Levitt said President Donald Trump has “all options on the table,” including airstrikes, but emphasized that diplomacy remains the president’s preferred approach.

“The Iranian regime’s public statements differ significantly from the private messages they are sending,” Levitt said, adding that President Trump is closely reviewing those communications.

The European Union has warned of potential new sanctions against the Iranian leadership to pressure the Khamenei administration over the ongoing situation. Australia has also condemned the large-scale loss of life and called for restraint.

As tensions remain high, Iran faces growing international scrutiny alongside deepening internal divisions.

END/SMA/AJ