At Least 500 Killed, Over 10,600 Arrested as Iran Protests Turn Deadly

Unrest across Iran has left more than 500 people dead over the past two weeks, according to a human rights group, as tensions escalated further after the United States hinted at possible involvement in the crisis.

The Washington-based organisation Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA) said it had confirmed the deaths of 490 protesters and 48 members of the security forces, while more than 10,600 people have been detained since demonstrations erupted late last month. However, as of now the Iranian administration have not released official figures, and the numbers could not be independently verified.

The protests, initially triggered by rising prices and economic hardship, have rapidly transformed into widespread opposition against Iran’s clerical leadership, marking the most significant challenge to the establishment since 2022.

Trump Signals Action, Tehran Issues Warning

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that Washington could step in if Iranian administration continue to use force against demonstrators. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said his administration was examining “very strong options” and confirmed he would hold a high-level meeting this week to assess next steps.

American officials indicated that the range of possibilities under review includes military action, cyber operations, expanded sanctions and online support for anti-government groups.

Trump also claimed he was in contact with Iranian opposition figures and said, without providing details, that Iran’s leadership had reached out to him seeking negotiations.

In response, Iranian leaders issued stark warnings. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf cautioned Washington against what he described as a dangerous “miscalculation”, declaring that any attack on Iran would make U.S. bases, naval assets and Israeli territory legitimate targets. Qalibaf, a former commander of the Revolutionary Guards, said Iran would not hesitate to retaliate.

Iran Tighten Control as Protests Spread

Demonstrations that began on December 28 over economic grievances have spread to multiple cities and taken on a political character, with protesters openly challenging the ruling establishment. The government has accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the unrest and has called for a nationwide rally to denounce what it described as foreign-backed “terrorist actions”.

Access to information has been sharply restricted, with internet services severely disrupted since Thursday. Trump said he would speak to tech entrepreneur Elon Musk about restoring connectivity through satellite services.

Despite the blackout, videos circulating online show crowds gathering in Tehran late at night, chanting and applauding. Footage from the city of Mashhad depicts burning streets, masked protesters and loud explosions. 

Iran television aired images of body bags at Tehran’s coroner’s office, claiming the deaths were the result of attacks by “armed terrorists”. It also showed grieving families waiting outside forensic centres to identify loved ones.

Government Labels Protesters as ‘Rioters’

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Washington and Tel Aviv of attempting to destabilise the country and claimed that “terrorists” were being used to inflame unrest. In a televised address, he urged families to keep their children away from what he termed “rioters” and said the government was willing to listen to public grievances and address economic problems.

Iran also summoned Britain’s ambassador over what it described as “interventionist remarks” by UK officials, after an incident in London where a protester replaced the Iranian flag at the embassy with a pre-1979 version.

Opposition Voices, Global Fallout

Despite growing pressure, analysts believe the protests may not immediately bring down Iran’s leadership. Former U.S. diplomat Alan Eyre said the establishment was likely to suppress the movement but could emerge politically weakened.

Funerals for members of Iran’s security forces killed during the unrest were broadcast on state television, including ceremonies in cities such as Gachsaran, Yasuj, Isfahan and Kermanshah.

Trump, meanwhile, reiterated his support for the protesters, writing online: “Iran is looking at freedom like never before. The USA stands ready to help.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio have also discussed possible American involvement.

Protests in solidarity with Iranian demonstrators have spread abroad. In Los Angeles, a vehicle drove into a gathering supporting the protests, injuring several people. Police said the driver was detained and all those hurt were treated at the scene.

Exiled royal figure Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, praised the courage of protesters and urged them not to retreat, calling the moment a historic turning point.

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