Iran Protests: Official Confirms 2,000 Deaths in Two Weeks of Unrest
An Iranian official has confirmed a shocking death toll from the recent nationwide protests. About 2,000 people have been killed over the past two weeks. This figure includes both security personnel and protesters. The official spoke to Reuters on Tuesday, January 13, on condition of anonymity.
This marks the first time authorities have acknowledged such a high number of deaths from the crackdown. The official blamed what he called "terrorists" for the deaths. He did not provide a breakdown between civilian and security force casualties.
Unrest Poses Major Challenge to Iran's Leadership
The protests started due to dire economic conditions and the collapse of the local currency. They have now become the most serious internal challenge to Iran's clerical leadership in at least three years.
The unrest comes at a difficult time for Tehran. International pressure is rising following Israeli and US strikes last year. This situation adds to the regime's vulnerability.
US Announces New Tariffs on Iran Trade
On Monday, January 12, US President Donald Trump announced new import tariffs. These tariffs will be 25% on goods from any country doing business with Iran. Iran is a major oil exporter.
Trump also warned that military action remains an option. He said earlier this month, "We are locked and loaded."
German Chancellor Predicts Regime's End
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a strong statement about the Iranian government. He said he believes the regime is nearing collapse.
"I assume that we are now witnessing the final days and weeks of this regime," Merz said on Tuesday. He added that if the government has to rely on violence to stay in power, "it is effectively at its end."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi quickly rejected these remarks. He accused Berlin of having double standards. Araqchi said Merz had "obliterated any shred of credibility."
Tehran's Response to the Protests
Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani tried to present a conciliatory tone. She said, "The government sees security forces and protesters as its children."
"We have tried and will try to listen to their voices even if some have tried to hijack such protests," she added. Officials have consistently blamed the US and Israel for fueling the unrest.
Lawmakers Warn of Possible Escalation
Parliamentarian Mohammadreza Sabaghian issued a warning about public anger. He represents Yazd in central Iran. Sabaghian said failing to address people's dissatisfaction could make things worse.
"If people's dissatisfaction is not resolved, the same events will occur with greater intensity," he stated clearly.
Information Blackout and Mounting Arrests
Communications restrictions have made it hard to get accurate information. Internet blackouts have been particularly disruptive. The UN rights office said phone services were restored on Tuesday. However, internet access remains patchy across the country.
US-based rights group HRANA reported startling arrest numbers. They said 10,721 people had been arrested by late Monday. Reuters could not independently verify these figures.
HRANA and other groups say hundreds have been identified by name among the dead. Opposition groups claim the actual death toll is far higher than the 2,000 cited by the Iranian official.
Washington Keeps Door Open to Talks
Iran said on Monday it was keeping communication channels with Washington open. This comes as Trump considers his next steps.
"We have the duty to do dialogue and we will certainly do so," Mohajerani stated.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said diplomacy remains Trump's preferred option. "Diplomacy is always the first option for the president," she explained. She added that private messages from Tehran differ from its public rhetoric.
Foreign Minister Araqchi said Iran is reviewing US proposals. However, he described them as "incompatible" with Washington's threats.
