General

An Iranian official announced on Tuesday that around 2,000 individuals, including members of the security forces, have died during protests in Iran. This marks the first time the government has recognized such a high death toll amid a severe crackdown following two weeks of nationwide unrest. Speaking to Reuters, the official claimed that what he referred to as terrorists were responsible for the deaths of both the protesters and security personnel. However, he did not specify any details regarding the identities of those killed. The protests, which were triggered by poor economic conditions, pose the most significant challenge to Iranian authorities in over three years, coinciding with growing international pressure following last year's strikes by Israel and the U.S. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran's clerical leaders have attempted to manage the demonstrations by acknowledging the legitimacy of protests related to economic issues while enforcing a strict security response. They have accused the U.S. and Israel of inciting unrest and claimed that unnamed individuals they label as terrorists have taken control of the protests. A human rights organization had previously reported hundreds of fatalities and noted that thousands have been detained. Restrictions on communication, including an internet blackout in recent days, have made it difficult to obtain information. Videos from the past week, which include verified footage by Reuters, have captured intense nighttime clashes between protesters and security forces, showcasing violent encounters with gunfire and the destruction of cars and buildings.