Iran security forces attack hospital after protests in western region

Videos verified by the Observers team show Iranian security forces attacking a hospital to arrest injured protesters in Ilam, western Iran, on the night of January 3-4. Earlier in the day, Iranian security forces opened fire on a peaceful protest in the nearby town of Arkavaz. Local reports say at least three people were killed.

By: The FRANCE 24 Observers / Ershad ALIJANI

The FRANCE 24 Observers team has verified videos showing Iranian security forces attacking a hospital in the city of Ilam, in western Iran, on the night of 3-4 January 2026.

The footage shows security forces firing shotguns and using tear gas inside and around the hospital as they attempt to detain protesters who had been injured earlier in the day.

Hours before the hospital raid, security forces opened fire on a peaceful protest in the nearby town of Arkavaz, killing several demonstrators, according to local reports.

Witnesses say the wounded were transferred to Khomeini Hospital in Ilam, where further clashes broke out between residents trying to protect injured protesters and armed security units, including motorcycle forces.

On January 7, Iran’s government announced that it would investigate the incident.

The latest wave of protests began in December 2025, driven by Iran’s worsening economic crisis, and has since spread to dozens of cities across the country. According to HRANA, an Iranian human rights organisation, at least 36 protesters have been killed so far, including children.

The unrest has drawn international attention following comments by US President Donald Trump, who warned Iran’s leadership against the use of lethal force.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has rejected dialogue with what he described as “rioters”, insisting that security forces must restore order.