August M
The scale of unrest in Iran has deepened as fresh figures point to a sharp rise in deaths linked to anti-government protests. International attention has intensified as the crisis unfolds and foreign leaders respond with warnings and diplomatic moves.
Demonstrations that began over economic hardship have expanded into a broader challenge to Iran’s leadership, drawing a severe response from security forces.
Nationwide unrest
Protests erupted across Iran in December, initially driven by anger over the country’s struggling economy. According to The Mirror, the demonstrations quickly shifted toward calls to remove the ruling clerical leadership that has governed since 1979.
Images published by international media show Tehran covered in graffiti and slogans demanding the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is 86. Protesters have continued to gather despite reports that armed forces have confronted crowds with live weapons.
Other footage cited by outlets has shown body bags lined up at morgues in the capital, highlighting the severity of the crackdown.
Death toll climbs
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that at least 2,571 people had died in the protests by early Wednesday, January 14. The agency said 2,403 of those killed were protesters, while 147 were affiliated with the government.
More than 18,100 people are also reported to have been detained. The agency said the toll exceeds that of any unrest in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Skylar Thompson of the organisation told the Associated Press the figures were alarming. “We’re horrified, but we still think the number is conservative,” she said, warning that the total could rise further.
Iranian state television later offered its first official acknowledgement, quoting an official who said the country had “a lot of martyrs,” AP reported.
Trump response
US President Donald Trump has urged Iranians to continue protesting. Writing on Truth Social on Tuesday, January 13, he said: “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!”
“I have canceled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” he added.
Trump later told reporters his administration was waiting for accurate casualty figures before acting “accordingly”.
Execution warning
In an interview aired Tuesday, Trump told CBS anchor Tony Dokoupil that “very strong action” would follow if Iran carries out executions of protesters. The first execution is scheduled for Wednesday.
Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old father and clothing shop owner, is expected to be the first executed. He was arrested at his home last week and was given just 10 minutes with his family, The Mirror previously reported.
Iranian officials have warned Trump against intervention, saying the US would be a “legitimate target” if strikes occur.
Sources: The Mirror, Associated Press, Human Rights Activists News Agency
