Iran Protests Death Toll Nears 2,600 as Crackdown Deepens

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.