Mike Baker

The human rights activist's news agency reports that at least 36 people have died since the 28th of December.

That includes 34 protesters and two members of the security forces.

Four of those killed were under the age of 18, reportedly.

Dozens more demonstrators have been injured, many after being struck by pellets or plastic bullets fired by security units.

In Tehran, security forces clashed with protesters, staging a sit-in at the city's Grand Bazaar.

Now, tear gas was deployed reportedly as demonstrators were expelled from the area.

The location carries deep historical significance.

It served as a hub for activists during Iran's 1979 revolution.

When protests reach the Grand Bazaar, Iranian authorities tend to take notice.

In Western Elam Province, witnesses and rights groups reported that Turgas was fired inside Imam Khomeini Hospital as authorities attempted to arrest wounded protesters who'd been transferred there from nearby towns.

That's a significant escalation, bringing security operations directly into medical facilities.

And more protests are already planned for Thursday, signaling that the unrest shows no sign of easing.

The regime, for its part, is moving quickly and harshly.

Iran's judiciary has announced it will fast-track trials related to the protests.

Special judicial chambers are being set up and staffed with what officials describe as experienced judges.

The Chief Justice warned that there would be, quote, no leniency for anyone accused of helping what he called the, quote, enemy against the Islamic Republic.

As expected, Iranian officials are blaming outside forces, accusing Israel and the U.S.

of fueling the unrest.

But there are signs that the pressure is taking a toll at the very top.

Iranian President Massoud Bazeshkin delivered a televised address that sounded less like reassurance and more like an admission that the protests may be rapidly moving beyond the control of officials.