Tehran, 11 January 2026 – More than 500 people have reportedly lost their lives in ongoing protests across Iran, according to the US-based human rights organisation, Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The agency released the figures on Sunday, highlighting the intensity and scale of the unrest.
The surge in fatalities comes amid growing international attention. The United States has warned of possible intervention to protect demonstrators, prompting Tehran to issue strong threats of retaliation should any foreign forces take action.
These protests mark the largest wave of anti-government demonstrations in Iran since 2022, posing a significant challenge to the country’s ruling authorities. In response, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly cautioned that any violent suppression of protesters could trigger international involvement.
HRANA confirmed its casualty figures after meticulous verification of reports received from its staff inside and outside Iran. Over the past two weeks, the agency has documented the deaths of 490 demonstrators and 48 members of the security forces. In the same period, more than 10,600 people have reportedly been detained.
The Iranian government has not officially disclosed any casualty figures, and international media outlets, including Reuters, have been unable to independently verify the numbers due to restricted access.
The protests initially began on 28 December 2025 in response to rising prices of essential goods, but quickly escalated into a broader anti-government movement. Tehran has accused foreign powers, particularly the United States and Israel, of inciting the unrest.
Complicating efforts to gauge the true scale of the crisis, Iranian authorities have suspended nearly all internet services since Thursday, effectively curtailing independent reporting and communication within the country.
Casualty and Detention Summary (Past Two Weeks)
| Category | Number Reported |
|---|---|
| Protesters killed | 490 |
| Security forces killed | 48 |
| Total deaths | 538+ |
| People detained | 10,600+ |
As the demonstrations continue, both the international community and human rights organisations are closely monitoring the situation, urging restraint and transparency from Iranian authorities. Analysts warn that the unrest could have far-reaching consequences for domestic stability and regional geopolitics.
