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The death toll from sweeping anti-government protests in Iran has climbed to at least 2,000 over just 16 days, according to new figures released by the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).

The updated data underscores the scale of the unrest gripping the country, as demonstrations expand nationwide and international pressure on Tehran intensifies.

Khamenei Blames Donald Trump as Deadly Protests Grip Iran and the People Fight the IRGC - USA Herald

HRANA Reports Widespread Casualties and Arrests Across Iran

According to HRANA, at least 10,721 people have been arrested amid protests recorded in 606 locations across 187 cities in all 31 provinces. Among those killed are at least nine children. The group’s figures rely on a network of activists inside and outside Iran, and while outlets such as ABC News report they cannot independently verify the numbers, since the government has not released any official death toll.

Earlier on Tuesday, HRANA reported 646 deaths, then sharply revised the figure upward. The organization also said that 133 members of Iran’s military and security forces, along with one prosecutor, have been killed during the unrest. Iranian state-aligned media have separately claimed that more than 100 security personnel have died.

Death toll in Iran protest crackdown rises to 29 - rights group | Iran International

Iran Government Responds as Protests Spread

Iran’s theocratic government, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has moved aggressively to suppress the demonstrations. Security forces have reportedly used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds. Authorities have framed the protests not as a grassroots uprising but as a foreign-backed conspiracy.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the unrest as a “terrorist war” during remarks to diplomats in Tehran, echoing official claims that the protests are driven by the United States, Israel, and other outside actors. State television has broadcast footage of pro-government rallies, including crowds waving Iranian flags in Tehran’s Revolution Square, which it described as an “Iranian uprising against American-Zionist terrorism.”

HRANA: Hundreds of dead protesters piled at forensic center | The Jerusalem Post

Trump Administration Holds Emergency Iran Meetings

As violence escalated, members of U.S. President Donald Trump’s national security team — including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe — met Tuesday morning to discuss the situation, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Vice President JD Vance also convened a separate strategy session with National Security Council principals later in the day.