US criticizes Iran over spending priorities amid protests

The reformist daily Ham-Mihan said on Wednesday, citing eyewitnesses, that security forces shot at demonstrators protesting in Malekshahi, near the Iraqi border, and later entered Imam Khomeini Hospital in the provincial capital Ilam, where injured protesters had been taken for treatment.

According to the newspaper, security forces prevented people from donating blood for the wounded and removed some injured protesters from the hospital without allowing them to receive medical care.

Witnesses quoted by the paper said forces also sought to take the bodies of those killed in the unrest to prevent public mourning ceremonies.

The paper reported that four wounded protesters died shortly after arriving at the hospital, while two others later died from their injuries. Hospital staff said about 11 critically injured protesters were admitted.

One eyewitness told the newspaper that none of the demonstrators had been carrying weapons and that the shooting followed a peaceful march. Another said security forces restricted access to the hospital to prevent photographs or videos from circulating.

Ham-Mihan said about 30 people were wounded when security forces fired on protests in Malekshahi this week. Iran International had independently verified the identities of four people killed in the unrest.

Medical workers quoted by the newspaper described gunshot wounds to the head, chest, abdomen and limbs. One nurse said a young man hit by three Kalashnikov bullets died after surgery.

Amnesty International said Iranian security forces carried out repeated raids on Imam Khomeini Hospital, using tear gas and shotguns, smashing doors and beating people inside, including medical staff, and arresting injured protesters and family members.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered an investigation into the hospital incident. Iran’s health minister said medical staff were obliged to treat all patients regardless of political or social affiliation.

The US State Department described the hospital raid as a crime against humanity. Iranian officials have said the government recognizes economic protests but rejects what it calls violence and disorder.

“We see that through interaction between the government and the people, any protests or outstanding issues can, God willing, be resolved, and I am very hopeful that this will happen,” Abbas Araghchi told reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting in Tehran.

At least 36 people have been killed in anti-government demonstrations which began on Dec. 28. US President Donald Trump has vowed to intervene if authorities killed protestors, in comments which have ramped up anticipation about his intentions.

Araghchi appeared to address the comments by saying the unrest was a domestic matter. "Iran’s internal affairs were not the concern of any foreign government," he said.

Relations between Tehran and Washington are at a low ebb and talks between the longtime foes on Iran's disputed nuclear program ended when Israeli launched a surprise military campaign in June capped off by US attacks on Iran nuclear sites.

“Now the conditions are not right for negotiations due to US policies,” Araghchi added.

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“Iran has never left the negotiating table,” Araghchi added, sayingTehran had always been ready for talks based on mutual respect and interests.

Israel Hayom reported on Tuesday that Trump had rejected a proposal by his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to pursue further talks with Tehran and instead chose to increase pressure on Iran.

Meanwhile, protests and strikes continued on Wednesday as shopkeepers shut stores and joined rallies in multiple cities.

Araghchi also said he would travel to Beirut on Thursday, adding that an economic delegation would accompany him and that Iran wanted to expand long-standing ties with Lebanon and its government.

Protesters in the city of Shiraz lit fires in the street on Wednesday and chanted “Death to Khamenei,” referring to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to videos received by Iran International.

Protesters in the Shadabad area of Tehran on Wednesday chanted “Reza Shah, may your soul rest in peace,” a slogan referring to Reza Shah Pahlavi, according to videos received by Iran International.

Protesters in the port city of Bandar Abbas chanted “This is the final battle, Pahlavi will return” on Wednesday in another video obtained by Iran International.

Protesters in the city of Shiraz on Wednesday chanted “This is the final battle, Pahlavi will return,” other videos showed.

Protesters gathered in the streets of the city of Bojnord in northeast Iran on Wednesday, according to videos received by Iran International.