The death toll from Iran's brutal crackdown on nationwide protests has surpassed 2,500 people, according to human rights organizations, as US President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday that he had been told the killing has stopped. The protests, which began on December 28, 2025, initially sparked by record-high inflation and food prices, have evolved into the largest uprising since the 1979 Islamic Revolution demanding an end to the current regime.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported at least 2,586 protesters killed, while Iran Human Rights documented 3,428 deaths just eighteen days into the demonstrations. More alarming estimates from sources inside Iran suggest the actual toll could reach 12,000 or higher, with leaked internal documents from the Supreme National Security Council reportedly confirming these figures during the peak crackdown between January 8 and 10.
Independent verification of casualties remains extremely difficult due to a complete internet shutdown imposed by Iranian authorities since January 8. Amnesty International stated that verified videos and credible eyewitness accounts reveal mass unlawful killings committed on an unprecedented scale. The organization called for global diplomatic action to end impunity for the regime's actions.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi disputed the death toll figures, stating that only hundreds have died and characterizing higher estimates as misinformation. However, reports from doctors inside the country and video footage showing bodies lined up at morgues contradict the official Iranian government narrative and support the higher casualty figures reported by rights groups.
President Trump announced that Iran had called off planned executions and that he was informed the killing of protesters has ceased. The US aircraft that were moved from Al Udeid air base in Qatar on Wednesday amid heightened tensions are gradually returning to the facility. Trump also reportedly communicated to Tehran that he does not intend to strike Iran, while requesting that the Islamic Republic refrain from attacking US interests in the region.
Iran's airspace has reopened to traffic after a temporary closure, and protests that rocked the country in recent weeks have largely subsided. The demonstrations spread across eleven provinces and represented the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic since its founding. International pressure continues to mount on Tehran as world leaders call for accountability and an end to the violent suppression of dissent.
The situation remains fluid as diplomatic channels work to de-escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran. Human rights organizations continue documenting abuses and calling for international tribunals to investigate the crackdown. The lasting impact of these protests on Iran's political landscape and its relations with the West remains to be seen as the world watches closely.