Iran protest death toll reaches 5000 according to official

WISE NEWS PRESS / TEHRAN, IRAN

An Iranian official has confirmed that the death toll in the country's recent wave of mass protests has reached 5,000, marking one of the deadliest periods of unrest in decades.

Speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, the official stated that at least 5,000 fatalities have been verified, including approximately 500 members of the security forces. While the government attributes the killings to "terrorists and armed insurgents," international observers and human rights groups point to a violent crackdown by state authorities. The highest number of casualties has been recorded in the Kurdish-majority regions in the northwest, where heavy clashes have persisted for weeks.

Escalation in Kurdish Regions and Detention Data

The Norway-based human rights organization Hengaw reported that some of the most intense confrontations occurred in late December within Kurdish territories. Parallel to these reports, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) stated on Saturday that while they have confirmed 3,308 deaths, they are currently investigating an additional 4,382 cases. The agency also verified that more than 24,000 individuals have been detained since the start of the demonstrations, raising significant concerns regarding the conditions of those in custody.

Tehran Denies Executions Amid International Outcry

Despite the high number of arrests, the Iranian judiciary maintains that no execution sentences have been carried out in connection with the protests. A spokesperson for the judiciary told IRIB News that the legal process is "meticulous and lengthy," suggesting that trials could take months or even years. However, the spokesperson also labeled several protesters as "mercenaries" linked to U.S. and Israeli intelligence, a rhetoric that often precedes harsh sentencing. Global attention has recently focused on the case of Irfan Sultani; while rumors of his imminent execution sparked worldwide protests, Tehran officially dismissed these claims as unfounded.

Diplomatic Friction: Khamenei Responds to Trump

The unrest has further strained relations between Tehran and Washington. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed U.S. President Donald Trump for the instability, vowing that the state would "break the backs of the rioters." This follows a statement by President Trump on Friday, where he thanked Iran for allegedly halting the executions of over 800 protesters. Tehran’s Chief Prosecutor, Ali Salehi, firmly rejected Trump’s claim, stating that the government's response to the "unrest" remains "decisive, deterrent, and swift."

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