Iran Reports 3,117 Deaths in Crackdown as Tensions With Trump Escalate

3,117 lives lost. That's the first official death toll released by the Iranian government regarding the anti-government protests that've gripped the nation. On January 21, 2026, Iran's Martyrs Foundation announced that 3,117 people died during the crackdown, marking a grim milestone in the country's recent history.

Iran Reports 3,117 Deaths: Conflicting Accounts of the Crisis

While the official figures are staggering, human rights groups say they don't tell the whole story. The US-based HRANA claims the toll has reached at least 4,519, including 4,251 protesters and 197 security personnel. Another 9,049 deaths are currently under review, suggesting the final number could be significantly higher.

The demonstrations kicked off in late December as shopkeepers protested the plummeting currency and rising cost of living. What began as an economic grievance quickly transformed into a nationwide movement. Amnesty International has documented security forces firing shotguns at unarmed individuals from rooftops. Tehran, however, labels the unrest as "terrorist" incidents fueled by the US.

Trump's 'Wipe Out' Threat and Tehran's Defiance

The internal crisis is bleeding into international diplomacy. President Donald Trump didn't mince words in a recent interview, warning that he'd wipe Iran "off the face of this earth" if they attempted an assassination. In response, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote in the Wall Street Journal that their armed forces "have no qualms about firing back" if attacked, calling for respect for Iran's sovereignty.