Receipt issued: Claims are circulating that Iran’s supreme leader ordered the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated security forces to deploy to cities and use lethal force against protesters, intensifying unrest. This record examines what is verifiable, what is claimed, and what remains unproven.
Background: Protests in Iran
Beginning in late 2025 and continuing into 2026, Iran has experienced widespread protests across major cities, including Tehran, Mashhad, Qom, and others. Demonstrations have been driven by a combination of economic hardship, political discontent, and long-standing grievances related to governance and civil liberties.
Despite sustained security pressure, protests have continued over multiple weeks. International media coverage and human rights reporting describe the unrest as among the most significant seen in recent years.
Security Forces and Use of Force
Multiple independent reports confirm that Iranian security forces, including units affiliated with the IRGC and the Basij militia, have been deployed to suppress demonstrations. Tactics documented by news agencies and human rights organizations include the use of tear gas, water cannons, metal pellets, mass arrests, and live ammunition.
Human rights groups have reported numerous deaths and injuries connected to protest crackdowns, alongside thousands of detentions. Communications restrictions, including internet disruptions, have also been imposed during periods of unrest.
Claims About Orders and Causation
A widely circulated claim alleges that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei personally ordered the IRGC to enter cities and shoot protesters, and that such actions provoked or intensified demonstrations.
As of publication, there is no publicly available, independently verified document, recording, or directive confirming that a specific order was issued instructing security forces to carry out mass shootings. Major international reporting does not cite the existence of a written or recorded command of this nature.
What is verifiable is that IRGC-linked forces and the Basij have actively participated in suppressing protests, and that lethal force has been used in multiple locations. Assigning intent beyond suppression — such as deliberately provoking unrest — requires evidence that has not been independently substantiated.
Official Position and State Narrative
Iranian officials and state media have characterized the protests as destabilizing actions influenced by foreign actors. Senior leadership has publicly supported a strong security response and framed enforcement measures as necessary to preserve national stability.
While official statements signal approval of aggressive security measures, they do not publicly document detailed operational orders regarding rules of engagement or explicit instructions to use lethal force.
Record Status
Verified: Protests have occurred nationwide; security forces affiliated with the IRGC and Basij have been deployed; force, including lethal force, has been used; deaths, injuries, arrests, and communication restrictions have been documented.
Unverified: A specific, direct order from the supreme leader explicitly instructing forces to “shoot people,” or evidence that the IRGC deliberately sparked protests as a provocation.
This record reflects the state of publicly available reporting and documentation at the time of publication. Should verifiable evidence emerge, the record will be updated accordingly.
Sources Consulted
Reporting for this article draws on coverage and documentation from Reuters, the Associated Press, The Guardian, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and The Washington Post, current as of publication.