Global News Podcast Death toll rises as Iran protests enter third week
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Jan 12, 2026 
Lise Doucette, BBC's chief international correspondent, offers a gripping on-the-ground report from Mashhad amidst escalating protests in Iran. She shares vivid eyewitness accounts, revealing the chilling scenes of a makeshift morgue and the harsh state crackdown on dissent. The conversation shifts to the geopolitical landscape as tensions rise between Iran and the U.S., with President Trump hinting at military options. Doucette's firsthand narrative sheds light on the complex human rights violations at play, making the situation even more urgent.
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Escalating Violence And International Pressure
- Human rights groups report lethal force and military-grade weapons used against Iranian protesters, indicating severe state repression.
- The US says it is assessing strong options, raising risks of international confrontation.
Protests Reflect Deeper Political Weakness
- Iran's regime is weakened by regional losses and faces broader demands than past protests.
- Protesters now push for deeper change beyond quick fixes, challenging clerical rule.
Open-Air Morgue In Mashhad
- Lise Doucette describes an open-air morgue near Tehran with at least 180 body bags arriving by truck.
- State TV framed some deaths as terrorist acts blamed on the US and Israel, fueling public anger.