A heavy police presence and deadly crackdowns on protesters appeared to have largely suppressed demonstrations in many cities and towns across Iran, according to several witnesses and a human rights group. For weeks, Iran experienced widespread protests triggered by a struggling economy and a rapidly devaluating currency, which evolved into a broader movement against the government. Iranian authorities responded to the protests with force, implementing communication blackouts that limited the flow of information.

Four residents of Tehran, contacted by The New York Times, reported a significant decrease in protest activity this week. The residents, who requested anonymity due to fear of government reprisal, said the streets were mostly quiet as the severity of the crackdown and the high number of casualties became apparent. They described a heavy deployment of security forces in nearly every neighborhood of the capital.

The residents likened the atmosphere in Tehran to martial law, with normally busy streets and traffic largely absent. Many shops and restaurants in certain areas were closed.

The Iranian government's response to the protests involved measures such as deploying security forces and restricting internet access. These actions made it difficult to independently verify the extent of the protests and the government's response. Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the use of force against protesters and the restrictions on freedom of information.

The recent protests in Iran reflect underlying economic and political tensions. The country's economy has been strained by international sanctions and internal challenges, leading to rising prices and unemployment. These economic grievances, combined with broader dissatisfaction with the political system, fueled the protest movement. The government has accused foreign entities of instigating the protests, while protesters have called for political and economic reforms. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for renewed protests and further government action.