At least 2,000 people have reportedly been killed in Iran during a violent crackdown on nationwide protests, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
The group confirmed the deaths of 1,850 protesters, 135 government-affiliated individuals, nine uninvolved civilians, and nine children over 17 days, despite an internet blackout.
An Iranian official told Reuters a similar figure but blamed “terrorists.”
President Trump promised Iranians that help was “on its way” and pledged to obtain “accurate” death tolls.
“The killing looks like it’s significant, but we don’t know yet for certain,” he told reporters. “Once we have the numbers, we’ll act accordingly.”
On Truth Social, he warned authorities would “pay a big price” and urged people to “keep protesting,” adding, “I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!!”
The protests, which have spread to 180 cities across all 31 provinces, were sparked by currency collapse and soaring living costs, evolving into demands for political change, the most serious challenge to Iran’s clerical establishment since 1979.
Security forces responded with deadly force, masked by a near-total internet shutdown. HRANA is also reviewing reports of 779 more deaths.
Norway-based Iran Human Rights confirmed at least 734 deaths, noting the actual toll could be in the thousands.
Footage from Tehran’s Kahrizak Forensic Centre shows shrouded bodies and body bags.
“They piled up bodies from every neighbourhood…You don’t know a fraction of the level of violence that’s been used,” an activist said. Hospitals are reportedly overwhelmed. Prof Shahram Kordasti, an Iranian oncologist in London, said hospitals are “like a warzone. We are short of supplies, short of blood.”
Trump has been briefed on military and covert options, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera the country is ready for diplomacy but also “other options.”
Araghchi echoed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying foreign-trained “terrorist groups” had infiltrated protests.
International condemnation is growing. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper summoned Iran’s ambassador over “horrendous and brutal” killings.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk demanded an immediate halt to violence and restoration of internet access, warning that labeling protesters as “terrorists” to justify executions is unacceptable.
The Iranian judiciary has already sentenced some detainees to death. A 26-year-old man, Erfan Soltani, received a death sentence within two days of arrest.
“We have never witnessed a case move so quickly,” said Awyar Shekhi of Hengaw. Trump warned the US would act “very strong[ly]” if executions take place.
New videos show clashes in cities including Arak, Tabriz, Urmia, and Khorramabad, with protesters chanting “Death to the dictator” and referencing the late monarch: “Reza Shah, may your soul rest in peace.”
