UPDATE: Iran’s Martyrs Foundation has confirmed an alarming death toll of 3,117 during the nationwide anti-government protests that began in late December 2022. The protests erupted amid dire economic conditions and a historic depreciation of the national currency. This official statement raises urgent concerns about the ongoing violence and human rights violations within the country.
The Foundation categorizes 2,427 of the deceased as “martyrs,” comprising members of the security forces and innocent bystanders, while labeling the remaining fatalities as protesters. However, human rights organizations warn that the actual death toll could be significantly higher, with the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) reporting 4,519 deaths, including 4,251 protesters, 197 security personnel, 35 children, and 38 bystanders. Investigations are still ongoing into 9,049 additional deaths.
The situation escalated as human rights advocates allege that security forces have used lethal force against demonstrators. Amiry-Moghaddam, co-founder of the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights NGO, revealed to Middle East Eye that authorities have been targeting the wounded, stating they were shot in the head. This chilling claim underscores the gravity of the situation as protests continue to spread across the nation.
In response to the unrest, Iranian officials have dismissed allegations of security forces killing protesters, instead accusing foreign nations, particularly the United States and Israel, of inciting what they term “riots.” On Tuesday, Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces, claimed that these nations are deploying mercenaries inside Iran to attack civilians and security forces.
As tensions rise, General Mohammad Pakpour of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a stark warning to Israel and the US, cautioning against “miscalculations.” His comments come amid a backdrop of heightened rhetoric, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog recently advocating for regime change in Iran during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump indicated a potential willingness for talks, asserting that the request came from Tehran, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
As the situation evolves, the humanitarian impact remains profound, with reports indicating that at least 26,314 individuals have been arrested and 5,811 have sustained serious injuries. The international community watches closely as Iran grapples with these escalating protests and the government’s response.
The urgency of this crisis cannot be understated; as protests continue, the world waits to see how Iranian authorities will respond and what further developments may unfold in the coming days. Stay tuned for more updates on this critical situation.
