Iranian state television reported the official death toll from protests that started on December 28, stating that 3,117 people lost their lives, including 2,427 civilians and security forces, with no further details provided. However, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency claimed the death toll to be at least 4,560, with a track record of accuracy in reporting on Iran’s unrest through a network of local activists. The Associated Press has not been able to verify the death toll independently.
Statements from the Interior Ministry and the Martyrs Foundation were broadcast on state television, addressing the fatalities and providing support to families of the deceased. Iranian Canadian human rights activist Arsalan Kahnemuyipour expressed his belief that the actual death toll could be higher, emphasizing the unprecedented scale of violence targeting civilians in Iran.
Kahnemuyipour dismissed Iran’s attribution of increased violence to U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks, deeming it a self-serving narrative. He refuted claims of foreign intervention inciting the protests or causing harm to protesters. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning to the United States, vowing to retaliate with full force if provoked further.
The death toll from the protests surpassed any previous unrest in Iran in decades, reminiscent of the turmoil during the 1979 revolution. Concerns persist that the casualty count may rise as information slowly emerges due to the ongoing internet shutdown in the country. Authorities hinted at the involvement of “terrorists” using live ammunition, resulting in the loss of lives on both sides.
Nearly 26,500 individuals have been detained, raising fears of potential executions in Iran, a nation known for its high rate of capital punishment. The killing of peaceful demonstrators and the threat of further violence have drawn red lines set by U.S. President Trump amid escalating tensions.
Araghchi underscored Iran’s readiness to respond aggressively to any renewed attacks, emphasizing the country’s military capabilities. Regional dynamics have intensified as the U.S. deployed assets to the Middle East, prompting concerns of broader conflict implications. Meanwhile, Iranian Kurdish exiles alleged an attack by Iran in Iraq, marking a new phase of external engagement amid domestic unrest.