Iran: Demonstrators gather outside Parliament in Tehran November 28

Event

Demonstrators gathered outside the Parliament of Iran in the capital Tehran on Saturday, November 28, to protest the recent killing of the country's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Some demonstrators reportedly burned Israeli and American flags as Iranian officials have stated they believe that Israel, with assistance from the US, was responsible for Fakhrizadeh's assassination, although this remains unconfirmed. The demonstration passed off peacefully and there were no reports of clashes between protesters and security forces.

US military personnel and assets, as well as the armed forces of several countries throughout the Middle East, will likely be placed on high-security alert following the assassination of Fakhrizadeh. As of November 28, all Israeli embassies worldwide have been placed on high alert amid concerns of retaliatory attacks. 

Possible reprisal actions by Iran are possible following the attack, although it is unclear at this stage what form these actions may take. Hossein Salami, the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has vowed swift retaliation against the perpetrators of the attack. Gatherings condemning the killing are likely to continue in major cities in the coming days.

Context

Fakhrizadeh, Iran's most senior nuclear scientist, was assassinated in Absard (Tehran province) on Friday, November 27. Unidentified assailants launched a bomb and firearms attack on Fakhrizadeh's vehicle as he traveled along Abali Boulevard at around noon (local time). Fakhrizadeh and six other individuals, including one of his bodyguards, were killed in the attack. No group has claimed immediate responsibility for the attack.

Advice

Those in Iran are advised to monitor the situation, avoid any demonstrations and large gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.