An Iranian government official said on Tuesday that around 2,000 people, including security personnel, have been killed in the country’s ongoing protests and violent unrest. This marks the first time authorities have acknowledged such a high death toll during the two-week-long turmoil, which has been met with a harsh crackdown. The official told Reuters that both protesters and security forces were killed by individuals he described as “terrorists,” but he did not disclose their identities or further details.

The unrest stems from Iran’s worsening economic conditions, which authorities view as the country’s most serious internal challenge in at least three years. The crisis has unfolded amid heightened international pressure following attacks by Israel and the United States last year. Iran’s religious leadership, in power since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has taken a dual stance—recognizing peaceful protests over economic issues as legitimate while enforcing strict security measures.

A human rights organization previously reported hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests. Internet blackouts and communication restrictions have severely disrupted information flow, while verified videos show intense clashes, gunfire, and property destruction across several cities.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Tehran is fully prepared if the United States chooses a path toward war or attempts to test Iran’s military capabilities. In an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic on January 12, he stated that while the door to dialogue with Washington remains open, Iran is ready for any scenario. Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s current military preparedness is broader and stronger than during the tensions of June last year involving Israel and the United States.

He cautioned that those trying to draw Washington into conflict to protect Israel’s interests should reconsider. Addressing the ongoing anti-government protests, Araghchi claimed that armed groups and terrorists have infiltrated the demonstrations and attacked both protesters and security forces. The protests began on December 28 when Tehran’s traders called a strike over inflation and rising living costs, later spreading across all 31 provinces.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for Iranian protesters and warned of possible U.S. military action if Tehran suppresses the movement. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has pledged economic reforms and promised to listen to public concerns.

The United States has urged all its citizens currently in Iran to leave the country immediately due to escalating anti-government protests and a worsening security situation. The advisory was issued on Monday, January 12, 2026, by the US Virtual Embassy in an emergency directive. It warned that demonstrations across Iran are spreading rapidly and could turn violent at any time, with reports of arrests and injuries. The notice also cited increased security measures, roadblocks, disrupted public transport, and internet shutdowns as factors severely affecting daily life.

According to the directive, the Iranian government has imposed restrictions on mobile, landline, and national internet networks, hampering communications and information flow. Many international airlines have suspended or canceled flights to Iran, with some halting operations until at least January 16. US citizens were advised to leave via land routes to Armenia or Turkey if safe, avoid borders with Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan, and prepare for prolonged internet outages. Dual US-Iranian nationals were instructed to use Iranian passports when departing, as Iran does not recognize dual citizenship.

The advisory also reminded that the US has no diplomatic or consular presence in Iran, and the Swiss Embassy in Tehran represents US interests there.

Mass protests in Iran, initially sparked by economic hardship and rising prices, have turned violent across the country. According to Iran Human Rights, at least 650 people, including nine minors, have been killed as security forces used force to suppress demonstrations. The unrest, which began in late December in Tehran, has spread to 186 cities and 31 provinces, with over 10,000 arrests reported. In response, millions joined pro-government rallies across Iran, which officials described as proof of national unity.

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated as the United States expressed support for protesters and threatened possible military action. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country is fully prepared for both war and dialogue, accusing US President Donald Trump of seeking a pretext for intervention. Several Western nations, including Germany, Finland, and Canada, urged Iran to avoid violence, while the European Union warned of new sanctions. China voiced opposition to foreign interference, calling for peace and stability in the Middle East.

Internet services, previously cut nationwide, are being gradually restored, according to Iranian officials, as the government claims the situation is now under control.

At least 648 people have been killed in Iran as security forces intensified crackdowns on anti-government protests that have continued for 16 days. The Norway-based human rights group Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) reported the updated toll on January 12, noting that nine of the victims were under 18. Thousands more have been injured, while internet shutdowns have made it difficult to verify the true scale of casualties. Videos from Tehran hospitals and morgues reportedly show large numbers of bodies, underscoring the severity of the situation.

The protests began on December 28 in Tehran’s markets over economic hardship, inflation, and currency collapse, but quickly evolved into a political movement. Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi’s call for intensified demonstrations further fueled the unrest. The United Kingdom and France have strongly condemned the violent suppression, urging Iran to respect citizens’ fundamental rights. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected Western criticism, accusing the UK of interference and warning of possible withdrawal of diplomats from London if Iranian missions are not protected.

International human rights groups have warned that unless the Iranian government shows restraint, violence and casualties could escalate further.

Iran’s government has declared three days of national mourning following recent violent protests and clashes that left multiple civilians and security personnel dead. The announcement was made on Sunday evening, January 11, through a statement from the presidential office, according to Tasnim News. The government said the mourning period honors those killed in the unrest, expressing condolences on behalf of the state and cabinet.

Authorities reiterated their commitment to bringing those responsible for the violence to justice and to maintaining public order. Officials alleged that the recent incidents were carried out by “externally supported rioters” who attacked political figures and security forces, creating instability across the country.

The declaration of mourning comes amid heightened political tension and ongoing opposition activity within Iran’s political and security environment, reflecting the government’s attempt to restore calm after widespread unrest.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the Islamic Republic is currently engaged in battles on four simultaneous fronts—economic, intellectual, military, and counterterrorism—against enemies led by the United States and Israel. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, he said these conflicts have been ongoing for years and are becoming increasingly complex. According to him, Iran’s adversaries have already been defeated militarily, prompting the US to attempt to incite unrest and impose what he described as a “terrorist war” inside the country.

Ghalibaf warned that this so-called “terrorist war,” resembling Daesh-style operations, aims to harm Iran. He criticized US President Donald Trump’s threats and said the Iranian people have resolved to confront and eliminate armed terrorists. Separately, on January 9, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei accused certain groups of carrying out sabotage in Tehran and other cities to please the US president. He alleged that Trump was responsible for the deaths of over a thousand Iranians during a 12-day war in June 2025.

Khamenei emphasized that the Islamic Republic, founded through great sacrifice, would never submit to foreign powers and urged Iranian youth to maintain unity and readiness to defeat all enemies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has claimed that the ongoing protests and unrest in the country are now fully under control. Speaking on Monday in Tehran during a meeting with foreign diplomats, he said that although violence had escalated over the weekend, the situation has since returned to normal. According to Al Jazeera, Araghchi also accused U.S. President Donald Trump of provoking violence through interference, irresponsible remarks, and threats.

Araghchi stated that Iran is prepared for war but remains open to dialogue. He added that efforts are underway, in coordination with security forces, to restore internet services quickly. In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said that threats from U.S. officials align with Israeli government policies that increase regional tensions. The ministry warned that any aggression against the Islamic Republic would be met with a swift, precise, and extensive response.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with Tehran emphasizing both readiness for defense and willingness to engage diplomatically.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over reports of violence and excessive force used against civilians during ongoing anti-government protests in Iran. In a statement on Sunday, January 11, he called on Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force against demonstrators. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said the Secretary-General was deeply saddened by reports of numerous deaths resulting from the crackdown.

Guterres emphasized the importance of fully protecting freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association as recognized under international law. He urged that Iranian citizens be allowed to voice their demands and grievances peacefully and without fear. The UN chief also called for the restoration of internet and communication services to ensure the free flow of information across the country.

According to the UK-based monitoring group NetBlocks, Iran’s internet has been cut off for more than 72 hours. The protests began on December 28 in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over the sharp fall of the Iranian rial and worsening economic crisis, later spreading nationwide. The US-based group HRANA reported at least 490 protesters and 48 security personnel killed, with over 10,600 arrests, though the Iranian government has not released official figures.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that his country is prepared for war but remains open to dialogue. He accused US President Donald Trump of inciting violence through interference in Iran’s internal affairs, irresponsible remarks, and threats. The statement was made amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington.

According to a statement from Iran’s Foreign Ministry, the US threats and what it called an irresponsible stance constitute a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and amount to incitement of violence and terrorism against Iranian citizens. The ministry added that threats from US officials align with Israeli government policies that increase regional tensions.

The statement warned that any aggression against Iran would be met with a swift, precise, and extensive response, and that such a situation could push the entire region toward greater crisis and instability, for which the United States would bear full responsibility.

Pro-government supporters in Iran launched nationwide counter-demonstrations on January 12, 2026, targeting what authorities described as foreign-backed rioters. According to Press TV, rallies began in some provinces between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. local time, with larger gatherings scheduled for 2 p.m. in Tehran and other major regions.

The demonstrations followed weeks of unrest that began on December 28, when Iranian shopkeepers closed their businesses to protest the falling value of the rial. Those protests evolved into anti-government movements. Iranian officials alleged that the United States and Israel incited the unrest, turning peaceful demonstrations violent. Tehran has blamed U.S. sanctions for the economic crisis and currency depreciation.

The government acknowledged that grievances over rising living costs were legitimate and pledged to take steps to address the economic challenges. Authorities maintained that the situation across the country remained under control.

Iran has summoned the British ambassador in Tehran following an incident in London where protesters removed the Iranian national flag from the country’s embassy. The protest took place on Saturday outside the Iranian embassy, drawing hundreds of participants. At one point, a demonstrator climbed onto the embassy balcony and took down the flag, prompting Tehran’s formal protest.

Iran’s state television reported that authorities also accused a specific terrorist organization of spreading false information through media and encouraging violence and terrorism. The report noted that the BBC Persian Service and Iran International, both based in the United Kingdom, have long faced accusations from Iranian officials. Meanwhile, London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that two protesters were arrested and that officers were searching for another individual involved in the intrusion.

Many demonstrators reportedly carried images of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s deposed monarch Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, whose regime was overthrown in the 1979 revolution. Some protesters called for his return to Iran.

Exiled opposition leader Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last Shah, has said that Iran’s freedom is imminent. In a message posted on social media platform X, he claimed that widespread protests over the past two weeks, particularly in the last four days, have shaken the foundations of what he called the “illegitimate Islamic Republic.” Pahlavi announced the beginning of a new phase of a “national uprising” aimed at overthrowing the Islamic Republic and restoring Iran, adding that international support would soon follow.

The protests, which began on December 28, have spread across multiple cities and regions, driven by economic hardship, rising prices, and severe inflation. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 538 people have been killed and more than 10,600 arrested so far, though the actual figures may be higher due to government suppression and information restrictions. The Iranian government has not released any official casualty or arrest data.

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly supported the Iranian protesters and warned that Washington could take military action if Tehran continues to suppress demonstrations violently. Analysts say Iran is facing a deep political crisis fueled by domestic unrest, opposition activity, and international pressure.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said that the American military is considering tough measures against Iran, including the possibility of military intervention. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, Trump stated that the issue is being taken very seriously and that strong options are under review. He added that Iranian leaders have called for talks following the threat of military action, and a meeting is being arranged, though action could occur before any talks take place.

Trump’s latest warning comes as Iranian leaders have issued stern cautions against any foreign military intervention. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that if Iran is attacked, both Israeli-held territories and all U.S. bases and ships would become legitimate targets. The tensions follow widespread protests that began on December 28 when Tehran’s Grand Bazaar merchants shut their shops over the falling value of the rial.

According to Iranian state media, at least 109 security personnel have been killed in the unrest. Authorities have not confirmed the number of civilian casualties, but opposition activists abroad claim the death toll is much higher and includes hundreds of protesters.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his intention to send Starlink equipment to Iran to help restore internet connectivity disrupted during ongoing anti-government protests. He said he would discuss the initiative with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, describing Musk as highly capable in implementing such technological measures. Trump made the remarks on Sunday, January 11, while speaking to reporters, following widespread internet shutdowns across Iran since Thursday, January 8.

The internet blackout has left Iran largely cut off from the outside world, making communication and access to reliable information extremely difficult. The shutdown came as protests that began on December 28 over rising commodity prices quickly escalated into a broader anti-government movement. Iranian authorities have accused the United States and Israel of inciting the unrest.

The proposed Starlink deployment, if realized, could provide alternative internet access to Iranians despite government restrictions, though no timeline or official plan has yet been confirmed.