Outside of Iran, there is an ongoing death toll hidden by the internet blackout, concealing the extent of the regime’s violent crackdown on anti-government protestors. Analysts describe it as the most severe crackdown since the establishment of the Islamic Republic almost half a century ago.
Reports suggest that over 4,000 protestors have been confirmed dead, with numbers rising, according to various NGOs, including the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, known for providing reliable figures in previous crackdowns.
Iranian state television has reported just over 3,000 deaths, following Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s statement attributing the deaths to the United States.
An Iranian activist in the Netherlands, Soran Mansournia, assisting the Hiwa Foundation in tracking casualties, expressed concerns about the blackout affecting the true toll. Mansournia highlighted the use of Starlink by an estimated 50,000 users in Iran to share information despite the internet restrictions. He emphasized the alarming situation in Iran and the ongoing hunt for individuals using satellite dishes by security forces.
There are also disturbing reports of protestors being taken from hospitals, families being extorted for “bullet fees,” and individuals being detained without due process.
In a televised address, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed not to ‘back down’ to anti-government protests, accusing demonstrators of acting on behalf of opposition groups and the United States. Authorities have largely cut Iran off from the outside world with an internet blackout.
Activist Warns of Ongoing Threat of Executions
The violent crackdown orchestrated by the regime has seemingly subdued protests that initially erupted over Iran’s economic challenges, evolving into calls for an end to the oppressive theocracy.
Despite international reactions being overshadowed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements, the threat of executions looms large, as highlighted by human rights activists.
With the arrival of the U.S. navy’s aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East, speculations suggest a potential American response to the crisis.
Amidst this, Iran’s exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, expressed confidence in Trump’s commitment. However, the focus remains on the looming threat of executions and the need for international intervention to prevent further atrocities.