Machine guns to machetes: Weapons that massacred thousands in Iran

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 6 min read 100% complete February 9, 2026 at 06:03 PM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

A BBC News Persian analysis of videos and photos reveals the Iranian security forces used a wide array of weaponry against protesters in over 200 cities during recent protests. The analysis, corroborated by witness accounts and human rights reports, indicates thousands have been killed in what is described as an unprecedented level of violence in modern Iranian history. Weapons used included machine guns, sniper rifles, assault rifles, shotguns, and handguns, as well as less conventional weapons like machetes, knives, and large wooden clubs. The Iranian government attributes the killings to "rioters and terrorists," but the BBC's investigation identified specific weapons and their deployment by security forces in various locations, including Tehran, Isfahan, and Yazdanshahr. The protests, initially focused on the economy, escalated rapidly, leading to a severe crackdown.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

The Hague 40% Amael Kotlarski 50% UN 50% International Criminal Court 50% Fars News Agency ×260% Farzad Seifikaran 60% Sadeghiyeh Square ×260% Tehran ×370% Payam Akhavan 70% Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ×280% BBC News Persian ×790% Iran ×4100%

Keywords

iran protests 100% security forces 90% lethal weaponry 80% machine guns 70% violence 60% crowd control 50% human rights 40% islamic revolutionary guard corps 40%