US, Jan 02 : The office of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has released an official list naming 2,986 individuals who lost their lives during the recent nationwide unrest. The list, issued on Sunday, includes both civilians and security personnel and was compiled using data from the Iranian Legal Medicine Organisation at the president’s directive.
According to the statement, the total death toll is 3,117, with 131 victims still unidentified. Authorities pledged to release an updated list once the remaining identities are confirmed, underscoring a commitment to transparency and accountability. The office emphasised that all victims are considered children of Iran and vowed that no affected family would be ignored.
The unrest erupted in late December after the sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial, initially starting as peaceful protests but escalating into clashes that caused significant casualties and damage to public infrastructure, including mosques, banks, and government buildings. Tehran has accused the United States and Israel of instigating the turmoil.
Amid these developments, Iranian Army Chief Amir Hatami warned that any misstep by the United States could threaten the security of both Israel and the broader West Asian region. Speaking at a national festival in Tehran, Hatami highlighted the armed forces’ readiness and vigilance, stating, “We have our finger on the trigger.” He also noted support from neighbouring countries, which have assured that their territories or airspace will not be used against Iran.
Tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high. US President Donald Trump recently announced that a “massive armada,” including the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, is en route to the region. Trump warned that if Iran fails to reach a nuclear deal with the United States, consequences could follow, echoing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s remarks that any US attack would trigger a regional conflict.
The release of the names comes as Iran navigates internal grief from the unrest and rising international pressure, marking a critical moment in the country’s ongoing political and diplomatic challenges.