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Iran’s protests have reportedly left 2,000 dead, with cities under heavy security and widespread destruction. Rare calls from the ground reveal fear, chaos, and uncertainty- what will happen next in the country’s unfolding crisis?
Nationwide protests in Iran leave 2,000 dead
Tehran: Reports emerging from Iran indicate that the death toll from nationwide protests has risen sharply, with an unnamed Iranian official citing approximately 2,000 fatalities, according to Reuters. The unrest, triggered by ongoing political and social grievances, has prompted rare accounts from Iranians abroad, revealing the scale of chaos and uncertainty across the country.
For the first time in days, some Iranians were able to make phone calls abroad on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press. Callers described heavy security deployments, widespread property damage, and a cityscape largely emptied of civilians. Burned government buildings, smashed ATMs, and deserted streets were common across central Tehran, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing protests.
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A shopkeeper, Mahmoud, noted that conversations frequently revolve around US President Donald Trump’s statements, expressing both concern and skepticism over potential foreign intervention. Taxi driver Reza added that, despite hopelessness, many young people continue to discuss and plan for ongoing protests.
The unrest has drawn international attention. US President Trump suggested the possibility of military measures to protect peaceful demonstrators while warning Tehran’s trade partners of 25% tariffs on business with Iran.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed alarm at the escalating violence, calling the situation “extremely worrying” and voicing concern over potential use of the death penalty against protesters through expedited judicial proceedings.
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Meanwhile, Iranian authorities claimed to have arrested alleged terrorist groups linked to Israel in Zahedan, accusing them of entering through eastern borders with US-made weapons. Israel stated it remains alert but considers the protests an internal Iranian matter.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, over 600 protests have occurred across all 31 provinces, with at least 646 deaths and more than 10,700 arrests confirmed by their activist network. Internet services and text messaging remain largely suspended, though limited phone communications were restored.
Iran’s embassy in India warned that pro-government gatherings have foiled foreign plans, asserting the strength and awareness of the Iranian population. Meanwhile, international observers continue to monitor the rapidly unfolding situation as the protests show no signs of abating.
