Tensions in Iran have surged as the government admits to significant fatalities amid ongoing anti-government protests. President Donald Trump has left the door open for U.S. military intervention, citing a growing death toll that has now extended beyond two weeks. The unrest comes as Iranian officials have reportedly reached out to Trump for negotiations, following his warnings against violence towards protesters.
In a rare move, state-controlled media in Iran broadcast footage depicting mass casualties near a morgue in the Tehran suburb of Kahrizak. The video, which has been widely shared online, shows numerous bodies wrapped in black bags, with grieving individuals searching for their loved ones. A state TV reporter noted that while some of the deceased may have been involved in violence, the majority were ordinary citizens.
The Iranian government has not provided a clear explanation for airing such footage, but it may be an attempt to convey sympathy towards the protesters. This development coincides with escalating rhetoric from both the U.S. and Iranian leaders, as each side asserts readiness for military confrontation without seeking it.
On Sunday, Trump announced that Iranian leadership had initiated contact, stating, “The leaders of Iran called … They want to negotiate.” He warned, however, that the U.S. might need to take action before any discussions could occur, reiterating his stance that “if Iran killed protesters, we would come to their rescue.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by claiming the protests were “under total control,” attributing the unrest to U.S. interference. He emphasized that Iran is prepared for both dialogue and conflict with the U.S. at any time. State media also highlighted large pro-government demonstrations, framing them as a response to “American-Zionist terrorism.”
Human rights organizations have reported a staggering death toll from the protests. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, based in Washington D.C., stated that at least 544 people have been killed, including 483 protesters. The unrest has spread across 186 cities in all of Iran’s 31 provinces. The Center for Human Rights in Iran reported that eyewitness accounts and credible reports suggest hundreds of protesters have died amid a government-enforced internet blackout.
The Iran Human Rights (IHR) organization, based in Norway, corroborated these findings, estimating that the death toll could exceed 2,000. Reports indicate that over 2,600 protesters have been arrested, with HRANA suggesting that more than 10,000 individuals have been detained during the unrest.
Despite the rising casualties, Iranian authorities plan to restore internet access in coordination with security services, signaling a belief that they can manage the situation. As the protests continue, the international community watches closely, considering the implications of both Iranian government actions and U.S. responses.
