Iran Protest Death Toll Rises to 35 Arrests and Injuries Mount
Rights groups report widespread unrest across 27 provinces; over 1,200 detained as international scrutiny intensifies
Iran, Dec 06 : At least 35 people have been killed amid ongoing protests across Iran, according to activists monitoring the unrest, as demonstrations entering their second week show no signs of easing.
The figures were released by the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), which tracks human rights conditions in Iran and has previously provided credible data during periods of unrest. The organisation relies on a network of sources inside the country.
What we know so far about deaths and arrests
Activists say those killed include 29 protesters, four children, and two members of the security forces. More than 1,200 people have been arrested nationwide.
Protests have been reported in over 250 locations across 27 of Iran’s 31 provinces, making the current unrest one of the largest waves of demonstrations since 2022.
Iranian state-linked media has presented a different account. The Fars news agency reported that around 250 police officers and 45 members of the Basij volunteer force were injured during clashes with demonstrators.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that those involved in the protests should be dealt with firmly, signalling a continued crackdown.
Why the protests matter beyond Iran
The rising death toll has drawn growing international attention. US President Donald Trump warned Tehran last week against using lethal force on protesters, prompting strong reactions from Iranian officials, who threatened retaliation against US forces in the region.
While it remains unclear whether Washington plans further action, the remarks took on added significance following the US military’s capture of Venezuela’s president, a development closely watched by Tehran, which considers Caracas a key ally.
Economic anger fuels unrest
The protests mark the most significant challenge to Iranian authorities since the 2022 demonstrations sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, though activists say the current movement has not yet reached the same intensity.
Economic pressure appears to be a major driver. Iran’s currency collapsed in December following fresh sanctions and the fallout from a brief conflict with Israel, deepening public frustration.
Assessing the true scale of the unrest remains difficult. State media coverage is limited, journalists face strict travel restrictions and risk arrest, and information from the ground largely comes from unverified online videos.
Despite these obstacles, activists say the unrest continues across large parts of the country.
