The death toll in Iran’s anti-government protests has risen once again, prompting US President Donald Trump to halt talks with Iranian officials amidst the violent crackdown on demonstrators.
Beginning in December due to economic hardships, protests in Iran escalated to target the longstanding Mullah regime established in 1979.
Reports from international media outlets depicted Tehran covered in graffiti and citizens calling for the demise of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the 86-year-old supreme leader.
Despite facing armed forces wielding guns, protesters continued to demonstrate, with images showing body bags at morgues in Tehran.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, the death toll from the nationwide unrest reached at least 2,571 by January 14, with 2,403 being protesters and 147 affiliated with the government. Over 18,100 individuals have been detained.
This death toll surpasses any previous unrest in Iran since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
Skylar Thompson from the agency expressed shock at the high death toll, which was four times greater than the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests’ toll in just two weeks. She cautioned that the figures could still increase.
Iranian state TV acknowledged the deaths, quoting an official who acknowledged the country had “many martyrs.”
President Trump urged Iranian citizens to persist in their protests, emphasizing the need to take control of their institutions. He canceled meetings with Iranian officials until the violence against protesters ceased, promising assistance.
Trump stated that his administration would respond appropriately once an accurate report on protester casualties was received.
In an interview, Trump warned of “very strong action” if Iran proceeded with executing protesters, with the first execution scheduled for the following day.
Erfan Soltani, a father and shop owner, is set to be the first person executed in response to the protests after being arrested for his alleged participation. Iranian officials cautioned against US intervention, threatening retaliation if strikes were carried out.