Three-Day Ultimatum: Iran’s Warning to Rioters

Iranian authorities have issued a three-day ultimatum to citizens who took part in recent anti-government protests, urging them to surrender to the police in exchange for leniency. The move, announced by the country’s national police leadership, comes amid heightened security measures following weeks of unrest that officials describe as the most serious challenge to the Islamic Republic in recent years.

According to statements carried by international media, Iran’s police chief, Ahmad-Reza Radan, said those who had been “deceived” into joining what the authorities term riots would be treated with tolerance if they surrendered within the specified timeframe. He emphasised that many of the young participants were not enemies of the state but rather individuals misled into disorder. Under the Islamic Republic’s legal framework, he added, such individuals could expect reduced punishment if they complied with the call to surrender within three days.

The ultimatum follows widespread demonstrations that began in late December, initially sparked by public anger over economic hardship, rising prices, and unemployment. What started as largely peaceful protests quickly escalated into a nationwide movement, spreading across multiple cities and provinces. The unrest persisted for more than two weeks and was widely viewed as one of the most significant waves of dissent Iran has faced in years.

Iranian officials maintain that while the protests began peacefully, they later descended into violent riots. Tehran has repeatedly alleged that foreign adversaries, including the United States and Israel, played a role in inciting and directing the unrest with the aim of destabilising the country. These claims have been strongly rejected by opposition groups and criticised by international observers.

Human rights organisations have reported that the protests have largely subsided following a forceful security crackdown. Iranian officials have acknowledged that at least 5,000 people were killed during the violence, a figure that has drawn international concern. Arrests have also mounted sharply. While the state-run Tasnim News Agency reported that around 3,000 people had been detained by the end of last week, rights groups estimate the true number of arrests could be as high as 20,000.

The tone from Iran’s leadership has remained uncompromising. On Saturday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on authorities to “break the backbone” of those he described as instigators, warning that both domestic and foreign perpetrators would not escape punishment.

Key figures from the unrest

The three-day surrender ultimatum underscores Tehran’s dual strategy of pressure and inducement as it seeks to close a turbulent chapter, deter further dissent, and reassert control amid ongoing economic and political strains.