Thousands of people are feared dead following a severe crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran, as families abroad receive harrowing reports from those still inside the country. Describing the situation in their first calls home in several days, Iranians have spoken of extensive death and destruction, reports UNB. An Iranian security official has told a news agency that the death toll could be around 2,000 people, including security personnel. Protests have been ongoing for several weeks. Although some Iranians have been able to contact family members abroad, an ongoing internet blackout is hindering the verification of information from inside the country.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 13, 2026 14:23 UTC