Iran confirms around 2,000 people killed in protests

In Iran, the death toll from nationwide protests has climbed sharply. As per reports, over 2,000 people have been killed in protests against the regime, an Iranian official tells a news outlet, blaming “terrorists” for the deaths of civilians and security personnel.But an Iranian opposition outlet and according to Iran International report, the death toll actually stands at some 12,000, carried out largely over two consecutive nights on January 8 and 9, Iran national’s editorial board concluded, based on a review of sources and medical data— though that report cannot be verified.It is the highest official death toll confirmed so far in the unrest that has rocked the Islamic Republic and threatened the country’s stability. The United Nations rights chief voices horror at the mounting violence directed at protesters across Iran. “The killing of peaceful demonstrators must stop, and the labelling of protesters as ‘terrorists’ to justify violence against them is unacceptable,” Volker Turk says in a statement, decrying the authorities’ decision “to inflict brutal force to repress legitimate demands for change.”

At least 12,000 people were killed in the largest killing in Iran’s contemporary history, carried out largely over two consecutive nights on January 8 and 9, Iran International’s editorial board concluded, based on a review of sources and medical data.

Iran is under a… pic.twitter.com/Zet5I8RlmQ

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) January 13, 2026

The Associated Press reported that Iran eased some restrictions on Tuesday, allowing people to make phone calls abroad via mobile phones for the first time in days. Internet services and text messaging, however, remain suspended. Iranian authorities have intensified efforts to choke off information and curb unrest by enforcing a nationwide internet shutdown, confiscating satellite dishes, and seizing footage from private security cameras to identify protestersAgents posed as water and electricity officials to enter homes and seize satellite dishes, residents told Iran International. Iran has entered its fifth day of a nationwide internet shutdown. NetBlocks said the blackout had reached 100 hours on Monday evening local time.