Source TOI
Tehran: More than 3,000 people have been killed in Iran amid months of nationwide protests, according to claims emerging from officials and rights groups, as authorities continue a sweeping crackdown to quell dissent. The unrest, which began over political and social grievances, has evolved into one of the deadliest episodes of civil unrest in the country’s recent history.
Protests erupted across major cities and smaller towns, with demonstrators demanding greater freedoms, economic reforms, and accountability from the government. Security forces responded with force, deploying riot police, paramilitary units, and live ammunition in several instances, witnesses and activists have alleged.
Iranian authorities have acknowledged casualties but have disputed the higher death toll figures, accusing foreign-backed groups and opposition networks of exaggeration. However, human rights organizations say their estimates are based on verified reports from hospitals, families of victims, and local activists, while warning that the real number could be even higher due to restricted media access and internet blackouts.
In addition to the fatalities, thousands have reportedly been injured or detained. Mass arrests, swift trials, and harsh sentences have drawn international condemnation, with several Western nations calling for independent investigations and accountability for alleged human rights violations.
The Iranian government maintains that it is acting to preserve national security and stability, blaming the unrest on external interference and “anti-state elements.” Officials insist that law enforcement has exercised restraint, a claim strongly contested by protest groups and international observers.
As tensions persist, analysts warn that the scale of casualties and continued repression could deepen public anger and further isolate Iran on the global stage. Despite the heavy crackdown, sporadic protests continue, highlighting the deep-rooted challenges facing the country’s leadership.
