Iran Protests: Death Toll Surpasses 3,000 as Internet Shows Signs of Life
Rights activists announced on Saturday that the death toll in Iran's protests has climbed above 3,000. At the same time, internet monitoring groups reported a very slight increase in online activity. This comes after an eight-day nationwide internet blackout.
Verified Deaths and Quiet Streets in Tehran
The US-based HRANA group verified 3,090 deaths. This number includes 2,885 protesters. Residents say the government crackdown has largely quelled the protests for now.
Tehran has been relatively quiet for four days. Several residents told Reuters that drones flew over the city. However, they saw no signs of major protests on Thursday or Friday. These residents requested anonymity for their safety.
A Glimmer of Internet Connectivity
NetBlocks, an internet monitoring group, posted on social media platform X. They said metrics showed a very slight rise in internet connectivity in Iran this morning. This followed 200 hours of shutdown. Connectivity remained at about 2 percent of normal levels.
A few Iranians living overseas said they managed to send messages to users inside Iran early on Saturday. This marked a small break in the communication blackout.
International Reactions and Statements
US President Donald Trump posted on social media. He said he greatly respects that Iran's leadership cancelled all scheduled hangings. Trump had earlier threatened very strong action if Iran executed protesters. He claimed over 800 hangings were planned for Friday.
Iran has not officially announced any plans for such executions. The government also did not confirm cancelling them.
Experiences of Indian Nationals in Iran
Indian students and pilgrims returning from Iran shared their stories. They said they were mostly confined to their accommodations. Communication with families back home was impossible during the blackout.
Z Syeda, a third-year medical student in Tehran, described a frightening incident. A man jumped in front of their car holding a burning baton. He shouted in the local language with clear anger in his eyes. Syeda said they only heard stories of violent protests.
Government Responses and Global Solidarity
India's External Affairs Ministry stated on Friday that commercial flights remain available. New Delhi promised to take steps to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian nationals in Iran.
Across Europe, thousands of exiled Iranians poured into the streets. They voiced their rage against the Islamic Republic's government. The government crackdown in their homeland has reportedly killed thousands.
Background of the Nationwide Protests
The nationwide protests began in Iran on December 28. Initial demonstrations focused on economic hardship. They quickly swelled into widespread calls for an end to clerical rule. The situation escalated into mass violence late last week.
Opposition groups and an Iranian official report more than 2,000 deaths. This marks the worst domestic unrest since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution.
