Iranian authorities have acknowledged for the first time that around 2,000 people, including security personnel, have died in the country’s ongoing protests, highlighting the intensity of a violent crackdown that has gripped the nation over the past two weeks.
The figure, confirmed by an unnamed official speaking to Reuters on Tuesday, marks the deadliest unrest the country has seen in years, though rights groups and opposition sources suggest the toll may be even higher.
The official attributed the deaths to what he described as terrorists, without providing a detailed breakdown of protesters versus security personnel. Videos circulating from multiple cities show nighttime clashes between demonstrators and security forces, with gunfire, burning vehicles, and buildings caught on camera.
Human rights groups have reported hundreds of arrests, while communications restrictions and intermittent internet blackouts have made independent verification difficult.
The unrest began on 28 December following a sharp fall in the value of the Iranian currency and rapidly escalated into broader demonstrations against economic hardship and the clerical establishment. Demonstrators have voiced defiance over unemployment, inflation, and a perceived lack of government accountability.
Parliament member Mohammadreza Sabaghian warned that failure to address public dissatisfaction could result in even greater unrest, underscoring the deep-seated economic and social grievances driving the protests. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the protests’ legitimacy while simultaneously enforcing harsh security measures to restore order.
International response and rising tension
The protests come amid mounting international pressure on Tehran, particularly from the United States. On Monday, US President Donald Trump announced a 25% import tariff on products from any country doing business with Iran, signalling a further escalation of economic pressure. Trump also said that military options remain under consideration, though the White House emphasised that diplomacy remains the first choice.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities appear to be keeping channels of communication with Washington open. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi indicated that discussions with US envoys continue, though he described proposed measures as “incompatible” with US threats.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz added to international scrutiny by suggesting the protests could mark the “final days” of Iran’s clerical regime, a claim dismissed by Tehran as double standards and political posturing.
Human toll amid blackout
The exact scale of the casualties remains uncertain due to restricted access to information. HRANA, a US-based rights group, reported over 10,700 arrests as of late Monday, while videos from Tehran’s Behesht Zahra Cemetery show families gathering at burial sites, chanting protest slogans. Rights groups outside Iran contend that the real death toll far exceeds the 2,000 officially reported.
The government has attempted a dual approach, recognising economic grievances while cracking down on protests. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said, “The government sees security forces and protesters as its children. To the best of our abilities, we have tried and will try to listen to their voices even if some have tried to hijack such protests.”
Social media and political statements
President Trump also issued messages on Truth Social urging Iranian citizens to continue protesting, saying, “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. HELP IS ON ITS WAY.” It remains unclear what form of “help” he intended.
The protests in Iran underscore both the fragility of domestic stability amid economic hardship and the severe human cost of political unrest. Observers warn that without urgent economic and political measures, the unrest may escalate further, deepening the crisis for thousands of families already affected by the crackdown.
