Iran Nationwide Protests Leave Thousands Dead in Uncertain Circumstances

Iran’s Supreme Leader Confirms Death Toll, Disputes Causes of Protests

Tehran, Iran – Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has acknowledged that “several thousands” of Iranians have been killed since protests began in late December. The confirmation is unusual, as Khamenei typically avoids commenting on death tolls during previous protests.

The protests started on December 28 in business and trade districts of the capital city, gradually spreading to other cities across the country. State officials and media report that the nights of January 8 and January 9 were the deadliest, with many casualties shot or stabbed from close range.

Abbas Masjedi Arani, head of Iran’s medical examiner authority, stated that most protesters were young Iranians in their 20s. Iranian authorities have cut off access to mobile communications on certain nights, making it difficult for rescue services to reach emergency situations.

The internet blackout, which began nearly two weeks ago, has gradually scaled back, but many Iranians remain uncertain about the future. Local calls and SMS text messages have been restored, while international phone calls have also resumed.

Iranian officials claim that the US and Israel are behind the protests, accusing them of arming and funding opposition groups. Khamenei described US President Donald Trump as a “criminal” for directly involving himself in the unrest. Iranian authorities attribute the killings to armed and trained “terrorists”, not state forces.

The Supreme Court and general prosecutor’s office have formed a joint workgroup to expedite protest-related cases. Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports that over 3,300 deaths have been confirmed, with more than 4,300 others being investigated. The agency also states that 2,107 people have been severely wounded and more than 24,000 arrested.

Foreign-based monitors and Iranians abroad disagree with the Iranian government’s narrative, attributing the killings to state forces.

Source: Al Jazeera