Activists Say Iran Protest Death Toll Crosses 2,500 Amid Internet Blackout

The death toll from ongoing nationwide protests in Iran has exceeded 2,500, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), which reported at least 2,571 fatalities as of early Wednesday, January 14, 2026. This figure, described by activists as conservative, far surpasses casualties from any major unrest in recent decades, including the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests, and evokes memories of the violent upheaval during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The demonstrations, which erupted over two weeks ago amid severe economic hardship, have rapidly escalated into direct challenges against the theocratic regime, with protesters in Tehran openly calling for the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86.

Iranian state television provided the regime's first official acknowledgment of significant casualties, with an official stating the country had “a lot of martyrs” and explaining the delay in releasing figures due to the “gruesome injuries” suffered by many victims. No official overall toll has been provided by authorities. HRANA's breakdown indicates that 2,403 of the deceased were protesters, 147 were government-affiliated individuals, 12 were children, and nine were civilians not participating in the demonstrations. The group also reported more than 18,100 detentions amid a severe security crackdown.

The protests began on December 28 in Tehran's Grand Bazaar following the collapse of the Iranian rial currency and quickly spread nationwide, fueled by anger over inflation, unemployment, and political repression. Witnesses in Tehran, speaking to media for the first time after authorities restored limited international phone access, described heavy security deployments, including riot police in body armor armed with batons, shields, shotguns, and tear gas, alongside armed members of the Revolutionary Guard's Basij militia. Burned-out government buildings, damaged ATMs, and sparse public presence marked the capital, while shops reopened under apparent orders from security forces despite low foot traffic.

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Internet and communication blackouts have severely hampered independent verification, with text messaging still disrupted and access limited to government-approved local sites. Witnesses reported raids on homes suspected of harboring Starlink satellite terminals to prevent uncensored internet use. In response to the escalating crisis, US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social urging Iranian protesters to “KEEP PROTESTING—TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!” and claimed to have canceled meetings with Iranian officials until the killing of demonstrators stops, adding that “HELP IS ON ITS WAY.” He later tempered his remarks, telling reporters the administration awaited confirmed casualty reports before deciding on further action.

Iranian officials, including Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani, condemned the US stance, accusing Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being the “main killers” of Iranians. Supreme Leader Khamenei praised large pro-government rallies held on Monday, framing them as a warning to foreign powers. Authorities have warned that protesters could face charges as “enemies of God,” punishable by death. As the unrest continues into its third week, activists warn the death toll is likely to rise further, while ordinary Iranians express a mix of hopelessness, determination to persist, and fear of potential foreign military involvement. The situation remains fluid, with limited information flow from inside Iran.

Also Read: Iran Protest Crackdown Leaves Burned Streets And Smashed ATMs, Witnesses Say