Deadly Unrest in Iran: 2,000 Killed as Protests Turn Against the Regime

The death toll from the mass protests in Iran has reached approximately 2,000 people, according to Reuters, citing an Iranian official. The casualties include both peaceful civilians and members of the security forces.

According to BBC News Russian, the U.S.-based Iranian human rights organization HRANA reports similar figures. The organization estimates that since December 28, 1,847 protesters and 135 security personnel have been killed. However, these figures remain impossible to verify independently, as foreign media outlets are either banned or face severe restrictions operating within Iran. Additionally, a total internet blackout has been imposed across the country.
Human rights groups report that security forces have used live ammunition against demonstrators, and thousands of individuals have been detained.

While Iranian state media claimed on Monday that the situation in the country had stabilized, the BBC editorial office has received video footage from local residents showing that protests are continuing in several regions.
U.S. President Donald Trump encouraged Iranians to continue their protests, stating that "help is on the way," though he did not specify what kind of assistance would be provided.

The protests in Iran began on December 28, initially sparked by a sharp rise in the prices of food and household goods. They quickly evolved into a political movement against the religious ruling system that has been in power since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The Iranian leadership has blamed the United States and Israel for instigating the unrest, warning that if Washington interferes, Iran may strike U.S. military bases. Donald Trump had previously stated multiple times that the U.S. would intervene if force was used against the protesters.