Nationwide anti-government protests in Iran have intensified, with reports indicating a significant rise in casualties and a severe crackdown by authorities. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the death toll has reached at least 116 people amidst the ongoing demonstrations that have spread across major Iranian cities. These protests, which began in late December over the ailing economy, have quickly evolved into a broader challenge against Iran's clerical rule, echoing the significant unrest seen in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini. The Iranian regime has signaled an intensified response to the unrest. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly denounced protesters as 'vandals' and 'saboteurs,' accusing them of acting on behalf of foreign agendas. Crucially, Iran's Attorney General, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, has issued stark warnings, stating that participants in the protests would be considered 'enemies of God,' an offense punishable by death under Islamic law. This threat is particularly alarming given Iran's history of executing individuals involved in protests, as documented by various human rights organizations. Security forces have reportedly used live ammunition and excessive force to quell the demonstrations, leading to numerous fatalities and injuries. Compounding the severity of the crackdown, authorities have imposed widespread internet blackouts, making it difficult to ascertain the full scale of the protests and the government's response. Human rights groups like Amnesty International and the Center for Human Rights in Iran have condemned these measures, warning of further bloodshed and grave human rights violations. International bodies and exiled Iranian figures, including Reza Pahlavi, have voiced support for the protesters, highlighting the global concern over the escalating crisis in Iran.