The death toll from the recent anti-government protests in Iran has risen once again, prompting United States President Donald Trump to halt discussions with Iranian officials in response to the violent crackdown on demonstrators.
Amidst Iran’s economic challenges, protests erupted in December, swiftly shifting focus to challenging the longstanding Mullah regime that has maintained power since 1979.
International media images depict Tehran adorned with graffiti and resounding calls for the demise of 86-year-old supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as protesters face off against armed forces, leading to reports of body bags at morgues.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, the death toll from the nationwide unrest has reached at least 2,571, with 2,403 casualties among protesters and 147 linked to the government. Over 18,100 individuals have been detained in connection with the protests.
This death toll surpasses any previous disturbances in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, marking a significant escalation in violence within a short period. Skylar Thompson from the agency expressed shock at the toll, highlighting the urgency of the situation and warning that the numbers could still rise.
In a rare acknowledgment of the fatalities, Iranian state TV reported a significant number of “martyrs” in the country. President Trump has voiced support for the protesters, urging them to persist in their actions and vowing to suspend engagements with Iranian officials until violence against demonstrators ceases.
Trump emphasized that his administration awaits accurate information on protester casualties before taking decisive action. He also warned of severe repercussions if Iran proceeds with the planned execution of demonstrators, citing the case of Erfan Soltani, a clothing store owner set to be the first executed in Iran’s crackdown for his alleged involvement in the protests.
As tensions escalate, Iranian officials have cautioned against US intervention, portraying potential strikes as a provocation that could make the US a “legitimate target” in the conflict.