Iran is spiralling into its deadliest unrest in years as two shocking videos fuel a global battle over truth, violence, and responsibility. One video, shared by Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, shows a police officer being set on fire — held up by Tehran as proof that protesters have crossed a deadly line and that foreign intelligence agencies are orchestrating chaos. Another video, filmed in Mashhad despite internet blackouts, shows terrified protesters begging the United States for help as gunfire echoes through the streets. 16 days into nationwide anti-regime protests, at least 538 people are dead and more than 10,000 have been detained. Iran’s leadership blames Israel and the United States, calling demonstrators “terrorists.” Protesters say security forces are carrying out a massacre. As power cuts plunge Tehran into darkness and bodies pile up outside morgues, Washington is watching closely. President Donald Trump says Iran appears to be crossing a red line — warning of devastating retaliation even as Tehran signals it may want to negotiate. What began as protests over economic hardship has now become a geopolitical flashpoint — with rival narratives, viral videos, and the threat of war colliding in real time.