Iran, January 14 2026 - The death toll from nationwide protests in Iran has climbed to almost 2,600, according to figures from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), marking one of the deadliest crackdowns in recent Iranian history.
The unrest, which began in late December 2025 amid sharp economic discontent and a collapsing rial currency, has rapidly transformed into a broad antigovernment movement, drawing unprecedented nationwide participation. Activists say the toll includes at least 2,403 protesters and 147 people affiliated with security forces or the government, as well as dozens of children and other civilians caught up in the violence.
HRANA also reports that more than 18,000 people have been detained across Iran in connection with the protests, which have spread to all 31 provinces. Iranian authorities have not released official nationwide casualty figures, but state media have described the dead as “martyrs” and blamed what they call “terrorist operatives” for much of the violence.
Officials have also responded to protests with sweeping arrests and promises of swift trials for those they accuse of violent acts. The flow of information from inside Iran has been severely hampered by internet and phone blackouts imposed by the authorities , the ability of international organisations and foreign press to independently verify numbers and events.
In response, activists and humanitarian groups have used satellite internet services such as Starlink to bypass restrictions and relay updates to the outside world.
More from Kenya
The escalating death toll has drawn international concern. On the U.S. side, President Donald Trump has warned of “very strong action” if Iranian authorities execute detained protesters and has hinted at broader measures, including economic pressure and support for the protest movement.
European leaders and human rights advocates have also condemned the violence. A senior EU official described the rising casualty figures as “horrifying” and voiced support for further sanctions against those responsible for the repression. If confirmed, the current death toll would dwarf those of other recent movements, including the 2022–23 Mahsa Amini protests, which were among the most sustained bouts of unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The sheer scale of fatalities and detentions now underlines the severity of the confrontation between demonstrators and security forces. The continuing crisis has heightened diplomatic strain between Tehran and Western capitals, and raised fears of broader instability in the Middle East, as regional players monitor both the domestic upheaval and the international political fallout.

More from Kenya

China Logs Record $1.2 Trillion Trade Surplus in 2025 Despite Trump Tariffs





