The death toll from ongoing anti-government protests in Iran has surged past 2,500, according to human rights monitors, as former US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to the regime and cancelled planned diplomatic talks.
Shocking Death Toll and Widespread Detentions
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that at least 2,571 people have been killed since the unrest began in December. The agency stated that of this total, 2,403 were protesters and 147 were affiliated with the government. Furthermore, more than 18,100 individuals have been detained by authorities.
This grim figure represents the highest death toll from any period of civil unrest in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Skylar Thompson from the agency told the Associated Press the new count was shocking, noting it had reached four times the fatalities of the months-long 2022 Mahsa Amini protests in just two weeks. She warned the numbers were likely conservative and could rise further.
Trump's Intervention and Regime's Brutal Response
Amid the crackdown, Donald Trump has publicly encouraged the protesters. On Tuesday, 13 January, he posted on Truth Social: "Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!" He added, "I have canceled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY."
Hours later, Trump told reporters his administration was awaiting an accurate report on the killings before acting accordingly. In an interview with CBS, he stated that "very strong action" would be taken if Iran proceeds with executing arrested protesters. The first execution, of 26-year-old shop owner Erfan Soltani, is reportedly scheduled for Wednesday, 14 January.
Protests Target Supreme Leader
The protests initially erupted over Iran's struggling economy but swiftly evolved into a direct challenge to the theocratic rule of the Mullahs, in power since 1979. Images from Tehran show graffiti and chants calling for the death of 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. State media, in a rare acknowledgement, quoted an official saying the country had "a lot of martyrs".
Protesters have continued to turn out despite being met with armed force. Media outlets have reported videos showing body bags lined up in the capital's morgues. Iranian officials have retaliated against Trump's warnings, stating that the US would become a "legitimate target" should it take any action against the regime.
