Source NDTV world
Tehran / Dubai, January 13, 2026 — An Iranian official has publicly acknowledged that around 2,000 people have been killed in nationwide protests, marking one of the deadliest internal crises in the Islamic Republic in years. The figure, cited by Reuters, is the first high-end estimate released by an Iranian authority since demonstrations erupted across the country late last month.
According to the official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, the casualties include both civilians and members of security forces. Tehran has blamed the fatalities on what it describes as “terrorists” responsible for violence against demonstrators and state personnel, but did not provide a detailed breakdown of civilian versus security deaths.
Protests and Crackdown
The unrest began in late December amid widespread public anger over deteriorating economic conditions, including inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs. What started as protests over economic grievances quickly expanded into broader anti-government demonstrations, challenging Iran’s theocratic leadership.
In response, Iranian authorities have deployed heavy security measures, including live ammunition in some areas, widespread arrests, and restrictions on internet and communications services — making independent verification of events and casualty figures difficult.
International Reaction
International rights groups and foreign governments have condemned the violence. Some activist organizations suggest the true death toll could be significantly higher than official figures, though these claims are difficult to independently confirm due to restricted access to information inside Iran.
Meanwhile, global political pressure is mounting. The United States announced new tariffs targeting countries that maintain trade with Iran, and Western officials have called for de-escalation and respect for human rights. Tehran, for its part, has accused Western governments of interfering in Iran’s internal affairs.
Looking Ahead
With protests now reported in dozens of cities nationwide, observers say the situation remains volatile. The acknowledgment of high casualties by Iranian authorities underscores the severity of the unrest and raises urgent questions about future political stability in the country.
