Iranian state TV reported on Wednesday the official death toll from protests that began on December 28, stating that 3,117 individuals lost their lives, with 2,427 being civilians and security personnel. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency cited a higher death toll of at least 4,560, known for its reliable information on Iranian unrest, obtained through local activists. The exact figures remain unverified by the Associated Press.
Statements from the Interior Ministry and the Martyrs Foundation were broadcasted on state television, providing further details. Iranian Canadian human rights activist Arsalan Kahnemuyipour expressed doubts about the reported numbers, suggesting a higher death toll based on information gathered by human rights agencies.
Kahnemuyipour dismissed claims of foreign intervention inciting violence, refuting the Iranian government’s narrative linking the protests to external influences. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning to the U.S. following the violent crackdown in Iran, vowing to retaliate with full force against any renewed attacks.
The death toll from the recent protests in Iran surpasses that of previous demonstrations in decades, evoking memories of the 1979 revolution. Concerns persist over a potential rise in casualties as information slowly emerges from a country still under an internet blackout imposed since January 8.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei previously acknowledged “several thousand” deaths during the protests, attributing blame to the United States. The Interior Ministry statement condemned the use of live ammunition by “terrorists,” resulting in the fatalities of both civilians and security forces.
Approximately 26,500 individuals have been detained, raising fears of potential executions in Iran, a country known for its high rate of capital punishment. Araghchi, in a published opinion piece, emphasized Iran’s readiness to defend itself against any aggression, hinting at the country’s military capabilities.
Moreover, the National Army of Kurdistan reported an alleged Iranian attack on one of its bases in northern Iraq, marking a significant development amid ongoing tensions. Iranian Kurdish dissident groups have historically operated in Iraq’s Kurdish region, posing a challenge to both Baghdad and Tehran.
International apprehension grows over the escalating situation, with the U.S. deploying military assets in the region in response to the unrest in Iran. The unfolding events in Iran have captured global attention, raising concerns about the potential for further violence and instability in the region.
