A human rights organisation reported that 2,677 people have died in protests in Iran

At least 2,677 people have reportedly lost their lives in the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran, according to the United States-based human rights monitoring agency, Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The organisation also claims that 19,097 individuals have been arrested since the demonstrations began. These figures, however, have not been independently verified.

HRANA released the report on Tuesday, 13 January, highlighting that the deaths occurred amid clashes with security forces and during widespread crackdowns. Iranian authorities have yet to provide any official statistics regarding casualties or arrests, leaving international human rights organisations as the primary source of information on the scale of the unrest.

Origins of the Protests

The protests began on 28 December at Tehran’s historic Grand Bazaar, where shopkeepers and business owners demonstrated against soaring inflation, the devaluation of the national currency—the rial—and the broader economic crisis. Initially focused on economic grievances, the movement rapidly spread to other cities across the country. Over time, students, workers, and people from various social backgrounds joined the demonstrations, which gradually evolved into a broader anti-government movement.

International Concern

The high death toll has raised alarm internationally. The United States has adopted a cautious stance, while European nations are reportedly reassessing their military readiness in the Middle East. Iran’s neighbour, Turkey, which shares a long border with the country, views the unrest as a significant threat to regional stability. Analysts warn that the internal turmoil could exacerbate both humanitarian and security risks in the region.

Key Figures Reported by HRANA

The situation remains fluid, with human rights organisations continuing to track arrests, injuries, and fatalities. The ongoing unrest underscores mounting economic pressures and widespread dissatisfaction with the Iranian government, which show no immediate signs of abating.