Iran protests: Death toll nears 2,000, officials blame ‘terrorists’

January 13, 2026

Tehran: Iran said on Monday that it has maintained contact with the United States, while President Donald Trump considers a response to the ongoing violent protests in Iran. The protests, which began two weeks ago due to economic discontent, have become the most serious challenge since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Trump imposes 25% tariff, Iran says ‘ready for both war and negotiations’

The United States, stepping up pressure on Iran, announced that any country trading with Iran will be subject to a 25% tariff on US exports. Trump wrote on social media, “This order is final and decisive.” However, he did not clarify the legal basis or whether it would apply to all Iranian trading partners.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country is ready for both war and dialogue. This statement came amid US warnings of military action, which contradicted the country’s harsh response.

Death toll disputed, officials blame ‘terrorists’

The true extent of the violence is difficult to assess. According to the US-based human rights organization HRANA, 646 people have been confirmed dead so far, including 505 protesters, 113 security personnel, and 7 civilians. The organization reported that 10,721 people have been arrested so far, and investigations into several other deaths are ongoing.

However, Iranian officials told Reuters that around 2,000 people were killed and blamed “terrorists” for these deaths. Protesters say the actual number is difficult to ascertain due to a widespread internet blackout.

Internet Blackout and Backchannel Communications

Authorities have shut down the internet for nearly three days, which protesters described as a way to conceal the true death toll.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said that messages are being exchanged between Foreign Minister Araghchi and US Middle East Special Envoy Steve Wittkoff. While the US does not have an embassy in Iran, its interests are represented by the Swiss Embassy.