DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - The death toll from nationwide protests in Iran has escalated beyond 2,500, as activists report that the number of fatalities has reached at least 2,571 as of early Wednesday. This has been corroborated by the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency and represents the highest death toll from any protests in Iran in recent decades, reminiscent of the unrest surrounding the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iranian state television confirmed the fatalities for the first time, declaring that the country has "a lot of martyrs." The protests, which began in late December, were fueled by widespread anger over Iran's struggling economy and quickly evolved into broader anti-theocracy sentiments, targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, aged 86. Demonstrators in Tehran have been reported to openly chant against Khamenei, knowing that such actions could carry severe consequences.
U.S. President Donald Trump responded to the escalating crisis through a post on his Truth Social platform, urging "Iranian Patriots" to continue protesting and take over their institutions. He declared he had canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the "senseless killing of protesters" ceased, suggesting that "help is on its way." Nonetheless, Trump later indicated that he would wait for an accurate assessment of the death toll before taking further actions.
Iranian officials countered Trump's statements, with Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, implicitly blaming the U.S. and Israeli leadership for the unrest, naming Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as key culprits among those responsible for the violence against Iranian citizens.
The activist group provided data indicating that 2,403 of the deceased were protesters, with 147 linked to government affiliations. Among the fatalities were twelve children and nine civilians not involved in the protests. Additionally, over 18,100 people have reportedly been detained during the crackdown. Amid the chaos, gauging the precise situation in Iran has become increasingly difficult for foreign observers, and the Associated Press has been unable to verify these figures independently.
Skylar Thompson from the Human Rights Activists News Agency expressed shock at the magnitude of the reported casualties, which have surged to four times the toll seen during the months-long protests over Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022 within just two weeks. Thompson cautioned that the current figures might still be conservative, fearing further increases in the death toll.
Witnesses, who managed to make phone calls for the first time since authorities disrupted external communications, described a significant security presence throughout central Tehran, marked by the destruction of government buildings and an eerie emptiness on the streets as residents expressed anxiety over possible U.S. military action.
Local shopkeeper Mahmoud remarked that discussions among his customers included speculation regarding Trump's potential military strike plans against Iran, indicating widespread skepticism about foreign powers genuinely caring for Iranian interests. A taxi driver named Reza conveyed feelings of despair among the youth, yet acknowledged that many were still considering continuing the protests.
Despite the communication blockade, some Iranians were able to reach the Associated Press. However, the AP's Dubai bureau was unable to return these calls due to restrictions. Witness accounts revealed that text messaging remained inaccessible, and while local connectivity to government-approved websites was possible, access to the outside world remained largely inhibited.
Reports indicated that security personnel were explicitly searching for Starlink satellite internet terminals, as authorities were seen conducting raids on residences equipped with satellite dishes, which have been illegal yet largely overlooked in the past. Activists confirmed that Starlink was providing free service in Iran, with one user stating that they had tested a recently activated terminal within the country.
