Iranian Official Acknowledges Around 2,000 Deaths as Protests Enter Third Week
GeokHub
Dubai | Jan 13, 2026 | GEOKHUB An Iranian official has acknowledged that around 2,000 people, including security personnel, have been killed during two weeks of nationwide unrest, marking the first time authorities have publicly recognised such a high toll from the government’s crackdown on protests.
Speaking to GeokHub on condition of anonymity, the official said those killed included both demonstrators and members of the security forces, blaming what he described as “terrorists” for the violence. No breakdown of civilian versus security casualties was provided.
Economic Grievances Fuel Unrest
The protests, triggered by worsening economic conditions, represent the most serious internal challenge faced by Iran’s clerical leadership in at least three years. Demonstrations have spread across multiple cities amid rising inflation, unemployment and public frustration over living costs.
The unrest comes at a sensitive moment for Tehran, following heightened international pressure after Israeli and U.S. military strikes last year.
Authorities have adopted a dual strategy, publicly acknowledging that economic grievances are legitimate while simultaneously enforcing strict security measures. Iranian leaders have repeatedly accused the United States and Israel of stoking the unrest and say the protests have been infiltrated by hostile actors.
Information Blackout and Conflicting Accounts
Independent rights groups had previously reported hundreds of deaths and said thousands of people had been detained since the protests began. Iran has not released official arrest figures.
Communications restrictions, including intermittent internet blackouts, have limited the flow of information. However, videos verified by Reuters in recent days show nighttime clashes between protesters and security forces, with widespread property damage reported in several cities.
