The death toll from ongoing protests in Iran has risen to 2,571, marking one of the deadliest waves of unrest faced by the country’s clerical leadership in years, according to a U.S.-based human rights group.
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The organisation said it has so far verified the deaths of 2,403 protesters, along with 147 individuals affiliated with the government. The toll also includes 12 minors under the age of 18 and nine civilians who were not directly involved in the demonstrations.
On Tuesday, an Iranian official acknowledged that around 2,000 people had been killed, marking the first time authorities have publicly provided an overall casualty figure since nationwide protests erupted more than two weeks ago.
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranians to continue protesting, saying that assistance was “on the way.” When asked to clarify his remarks, Trump told reporters that details would become clear in time, adding that military action remained among the options being considered in response to Iran’s crackdown.
Iranian officials have rejected foreign criticism, accusing the United States and Israel of fuelling violence in the country. Authorities have blamed the deaths on what they described as “terrorist operatives” allegedly acting under foreign guidance to destabilise the state.
The unrest, initially triggered by worsening economic conditions, has evolved into the most serious internal challenge to Iran’s leadership in at least three years. It has unfolded amid heightened international pressure following Israeli and U.S. strikes last year, further intensifying regional and global scrutiny of Tehran.
