Iran unrest intensifies as officials claim over 2, 000 people killed in protest
PTC News Desk: Around 2,000 people — including members of the security forces — have been killed in the ongoing protests in Iran, according to an Iranian official on Tuesday. This marks the first time authorities have publicly acknowledged such a large death toll stemming from the heavy-handed response to two weeks of nationwide unrest.
Speaking to media, the official claimed that “terrorists” were responsible for the deaths of both demonstrators and security personnel, but did not specify how many casualties fell into each category.
The protests, driven by severe economic hardship, represent the most serious internal challenge to Iran’s leadership in at least three years. They come at a time of growing global pressure following Israeli and US strikes last year.
Iran’s clerical establishment — in power since the 1979 Islamic Revolution — has attempted to balance its messaging by calling economic grievances legitimate while simultaneously launching a forceful security crackdown. Authorities have accused the United States and Israel of instigating the turmoil and said that unidentified “terrorist” groups have seized control of the demonstrations. Earlier, a human rights organisation had reported hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests.
Efforts to obtain accurate information have been hindered by communication controls, including a near-total internet shutdown in recent days.
Verified footage reviewed by Reuters shows intense nighttime clashes over the past week, with gunfire, burning vehicles, and buildings, highlighting the scale and violence of the confrontations between protesters and security forces.
- With inputs from agencies
