Iran Protests Lead to Thousands of Deaths Amid Government Crackdown
The protests in Iran against the Islamic government have resulted in significant casualties, with estimates of verified deaths ranging from 3,428 to potentially as high as 20,000, according to Iran Human Rights (IHR). Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of violence, including the use of automatic weapons by security forces. An internet blackout has complicated efforts to verify the death toll. Several Indian nationals have returned from Iran, reporting that they faced no issues during their travel. The protests have escalated tensions between Iran and the United States, with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei accusing the US of supporting the unrest. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing violence and a lack of clear information due to the communication blackout.
Published 2 days ago • 17 Jan 2026, 07:03 PM IST