He blamed a "significant proportion of fatalities" on "trained and directed individuals", not security forces, but did not give specific details. Several videos, confirmed as recent by BBC Verify, show clashes between protesters and security forces in Mashhad, Iran's second largest city. Masked protesters are seen taking cover behind bins and bonfires, while a row of security forces is seen in the distance. Norway-based Iran Human Rights reported at least 192 protesters have been killed. More than 550 people were killed and 20,000 detained by security forces over several months, according to human rights groups.

Source: The Star January 11, 2026 20:29 UTC