Iranian state TV confirmed that a total of 3,117 individuals lost their lives during the protests that began on December 28, with 2,427 of them identified as civilians and security forces. However, further details on the remaining casualties were not provided. In contrast, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported a higher death toll of at least 4,560, citing their reliable network of activists within Iran. The accuracy of these figures could not be independently verified by The Associated Press.
Various statements were broadcast on state television by the Interior Ministry and the Martyrs Foundation, which supports families of those killed in conflicts. Arsalan Kahnemuyipour, an Iranian Canadian human rights activist and linguistics professor at the University of Toronto, expressed skepticism about the reported numbers, emphasizing that the death toll could be significantly higher based on human rights agencies’ data.
Moreover, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a strong warning to the United States following the deadly crackdown in Tehran, stating that Iran would retaliate with full force if faced with any renewed aggression. This statement came as the U.S. deployed military assets towards the Middle East amid escalating tensions.
The recent protests in Iran, resulting in the highest death toll in decades, originated from economic grievances but soon expanded to challenge the ruling theocracy. Despite a government-imposed internet shutdown hindering the flow of information, reports suggest that nearly 26,500 individuals have been detained, raising concerns about potential execution of detainees in Iran.
In a column published by The Wall Street Journal, Araghchi blamed armed demonstrators for the violence during the protests, while videos showing security forces using live ammunition on unarmed protesters circulated online. The foreign minister emphasized Iran’s readiness to respond forcefully to any aggression, hinting at the country’s missile capabilities.
Additionally, Kurdish exiles claimed that Iran conducted an attack on one of their bases near Irbil in Iraq, marking Tehran’s first known foreign operation in response to the ongoing unrest. This incident highlights the complex dynamics between Iranian dissident groups and neighboring countries, particularly in the Kurdish regions.
As tensions continue to escalate, the movement of military assets and diplomatic maneuvers in the region indicate a precarious situation that could have far-reaching implications.