Iran Gripped by Prolonged Unrest as Death Toll Rises and Tensions Escalate

Weeks after nationwide protests erupted against Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country continues to witness widespread unrest marked by large-scale demonstrations, mass arrests and deadly crackdowns

According to activists, the death toll linked to the protests has risen sharply, with reports on Tuesday placing the number of fatalities at 4,029—most of them demonstrators. Human rights groups have warned that the actual figure could be significantly higher.

The unrest has also spilled into the cyber domain, with Iran’s state television reportedly hacked to broadcast messages by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, further underscoring the scale of internal dissent.

Key Developments in Iran’s Ongoing Crisis

Over 4,000 Reported Dead
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency stated that at least 4,029 people have been killed since the protests began. The figure reportedly includes 3,786 protesters, 180 members of the security forces, 28 children, and 35 individuals not directly involved in the demonstrations. Citing concerns over restricted access and censorship, the organisation fears that many more deaths may have gone unreported, according to the Associated Press (AP).

Iranian State TV Hacked
Iran’s state television network reportedly experienced a significant breach on Sunday night when hackers disrupted satellite transmissions. Several channels of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting aired clips featuring exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, whose calls for protests have resonated with demonstrators. The broadcasts also showed footage of individuals appearing to be security personnel, accompanied by messages urging forces not to turn their weapons on civilians and to “join the nation for the freedom of Iran,” AP reported.

Concerns Over Nuclear Security
As tensions between the United States and Iran intensify over the crackdown on protesters, analysts have warned of potential nuclear security risks. According to AP, David Albright, a former nuclear weapons inspector, cautioned that sustained internal chaos could impair Iran’s ability to safeguard its nuclear assets. These concerns have been heightened despite US President Donald Trump appearing to step back from immediate military action against Tehran.

Police Ultimatum to Protesters
Iranian authorities have continued their crackdown on dissent. Police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan reportedly issued a three-day ultimatum to individuals involved in what the government terms “riots,” urging them to surrender. Speaking to state television, Radan said those “deceived into joining the riots” would receive leniency if they turned themselves in, while warning of severe consequences for those who failed to comply, according to AFP.

Background to the Protests

The protests began on December 28, initially driven by public anger over Iran’s worsening economic conditions, a sharp decline in the national currency, and rising prices. What started as economic demonstrations soon escalated into nationwide protests calling for an end to Khamenei’s rule.

The United States entered the diplomatic spotlight after President Trump warned Tehran against the killing of peaceful protesters and mass executions, drawing what he described as “red lines” for the Iranian leadership.

Further fueling speculation of a broader escalation are reports that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and other US naval vessels have entered the Strait of Malacca on a route that could potentially take them toward the Middle East.

As Iran’s crisis deepens, the situation remains volatile, with mounting human rights concerns and growing international scrutiny.