At least 5,000 people have died during ongoing protests in Iran, including around 500 members of the country’s security forces, an Iranian official said Sunday, citing verified figures and blaming “terrorists and armed rioters” for the deaths of civilians.
The demonstrations, which began on Dec. 28 over economic hardship, escalated into nationwide protests demanding the end of clerical rule, marking the deadliest unrest in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Authorities have described the violence as driven by foreign-backed actors and accused the U.S. and Israel of supporting rioters.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned U.S. involvement and called President Donald Trump a “criminal,” while also stating that “several thousand deaths” were caused by “terrorists and rioters.” He emphasized that Iran would not start a war but would punish what he described as domestic and international criminals.
Iran’s judiciary suggested that executions could still proceed, citing the charge of Mohareb, an Islamic legal term meaning to wage war against God, which carries the death penalty under Iranian law. Spokesperson Asghar Jahangir said certain acts committed during the protests were being treated under this law.
The unrest has been particularly violent in the northwest, in Kurdish areas where clashes were among the heaviest and the death toll highest. Reports indicate that armed individuals disguised as protesters were involved in shootings and stabbings, complicating the situation for law-abiding demonstrators. Kurdish separatist groups have reportedly attempted to cross into Iran from Iraq, raising concerns about foreign involvement.
Rights organizations report thousands more arrests and hundreds of cases under investigation. A U.S.-based group, HRANA, said the confirmed death toll had reached over 3,300, with another 4,300 cases under review, and more than 24,000 arrests recorded.
The crackdown, aided by internet blackouts that have hindered reporting, has largely subdued the protests, though videos circulating online show riot police using live fire and force against demonstrators. Residents recount scenes of burning buildings, looting, and violence, highlighting the chaos that erupted in cities across the country.
President Trump has publicly condemned Iran’s crackdown and called for new leadership, while noting that the Iranian government recently canceled plans to execute hundreds of prisoners amid the unrest.
The situation in Iran remains tense, with authorities maintaining strict control and protesters largely silenced amid heavy security operations and judicial threats.
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