Iranian officials reported on Tuesday that around 2,000 people, including both protesters and security personnel, have died in two weeks of nationwide unrest. This is the first time Tehran has publicly acknowledged the scale of fatalities during the ongoing protests.
An official, speaking to Reuters, attributed the deaths to what the government calls “terrorists” but did not provide a detailed breakdown of casualties between demonstrators and security forces.
Economic Crisis Sparks Mass Demonstrations
The protests were triggered by Iran’s dire economic conditions, including a collapsing currency and rising inflation, which have fueled widespread anger. Analysts say the unrest represents the biggest internal challenge to Iranian authorities in at least three years.
Authorities Enforce Harsh Crackdown
Iran’s clerical leadership, in power since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has responded with a dual approach: acknowledging economic grievances as legitimate while deploying security forces to suppress unrest. Officials have accused the United States and Israel of fomenting the violence and claimed that unnamed “terrorists” have hijacked the demonstrations.
Communications Blackouts and Violent Clashes
Flow of information from Iran has been severely restricted due to an internet blackout and other communications controls in recent days. Verified videos show violent confrontations between demonstrators and security forces, including clashes with gunfire, burning cars, and damaged buildings, particularly during nighttime protests.
