As protests in Iran entered their second week, medical professionals at hospitals in Tehran reported being overwhelmed with patients suffering injuries sustained during the demonstrations. A doctor at a Tehran eye hospital told the BBC that the facility had entered crisis mode, while a medic at another hospital reported a shortage of surgeons to handle the influx of patients.

The reports from medical personnel came as anti-government protests continued in dozens of cities across Iran. Two human rights groups have reported that at least 50 protesters have been killed. The nature of the injuries and the specific challenges faced by medical staff were not immediately clear, but the reports suggest a strain on the healthcare system's capacity to respond to the needs of those injured during the unrest.

The protests were sparked by a combination of economic grievances and political restrictions, according to analysts. The Iranian government has blamed the United States for inciting the protests, accusing the U.S. of turning them into "violent subversive acts and widespread vandalism," according to a letter sent to the UN Security Council. U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran against using violence against protesters, stating, "you better not start shooting because we'll start shooting too."

International leaders have called for the protection of the right to peaceful protest. The situation remains fluid, and the long-term impact on Iran's healthcare system and political landscape remains to be seen. The BBC contributed to this report.