Iranian authorities confirmed today that at least 5,000 people have died in recent nationwide protests, including around 500 members of the security forces, according to a regional official, who cited verified figures.
The official blamed “terrorists and armed rioters” for targeting civilians.
The protests began on December 28 over economic hardship and quickly transformed into broad anti-government demonstrations demanding an end to clerical rule.
Analysts say these events represent the deadliest unrest in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
On Saturday, thousands of Iranians and supporters marched in European cities to show solidarity with the protesters.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned of intervention if protesters continue to die or face execution.
He credited Iranian authorities for cancelling planned executions of 800 people, while the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned Trump as a “criminal” for interfering.
“We will not drag the country into war, but we will not let domestic or international criminals go unpunished,” Khamenei said, acknowledging several thousand deaths and attributing them to “terrorists and rioters” connected to the US and Israel.
Iran’s judiciary, however, signalled that some executions could proceed. “Certain actions fall under Mohareb, one of the most severe punishments in Islamic law,” said judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir, according to Reuters.
Sources: Reuters
