Iranian Director Warns of Impending Massacre Amid Protests

Acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi has issued an urgent warning about escalating violence in his homeland, where massive anti-government demonstrations continue despite a total communications shutdown. Speaking from Hollywood while promoting his latest work, Panahi delivered a chilling message: widespread killings are about to begin.

The director of "It Was Just An Accident" made his plea during a recent interview as his film earned four Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Drama. His movie draws from his own imprisonment experience, where Iranian authorities held him for allegedly spreading anti-regime messages.

Communications Cut as Violence Escalates

"The Islamic Republic has entirely lost its legitimacy, and now there is no more doubt of that," Panahi stated. He described a government backed into a corner, facing its most serious challenge in decades. "It appears that the regime is finding itself at a dead end, and the protests this year seem to be the most important of anything that's happened all these years."

The filmmaker painted a stark picture of information warfare. Phone lines dead. Internet connections severed. Complete silence from a nation in turmoil. "The internet and the phones are all shut down. We cannot call cell phones or landlines; everything is disconnected," he explained. "When they shut down the internet completely, we knew what was going on: it means a massacre is coming."

Protests Spread Across the Nation

What began as economic demonstrations in late December has transformed into something far more dangerous for Iran's leadership. Initial anger over skyrocketing prices and empty store shelves quickly evolved into direct challenges against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the entire governmental system.

Reuters reports estimate over 2,000 deaths so far. These numbers remain unverified due to the information blackout, but experts consider these protests among the most significant in Iranian history. Some believe they could trigger complete regime change.

International Response Grows

President Trump has threatened military action if Iranian forces attack protesters violently. His administration imposed 25% tariffs on nations conducting business with Iran, according to BBC News reporting.

Panahi faces his own legal troubles. Iranian courts sentenced him to another year in prison while he remains abroad. He plans to appeal the decision but intends to return home after finishing his international promotional tour.

"I don't know what can be done," the director admitted. "But we are in a situation that anyone and everyone around the world – journalists, citizens, politicians, anybody – can do something. Anything they can do, they must."