Human rights activists now report the death toll from Iran's nationwide protests has climbed above 2,500. This grim milestone comes as Iranians managed to make their first international calls in days on Tuesday. Authorities had previously severed communications during a violent crackdown on demonstrators.
Rising Casualty Figures
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activants News Agency provided the latest figures. They confirmed at least 2,571 fatalities by early Wednesday morning. This number far surpasses any previous wave of protests or unrest in Iran over recent decades. It evokes stark memories of the turmoil surrounding the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Orders from the Top
According to a report by Iran International citing sources, the nationwide killings during recent protests occurred under direct orders from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The heads of all three branches of government reportedly had full awareness and gave their consent.
Iran International further reported that the Supreme National Security Council authorized the use of live ammunition. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Basij forces were primarily responsible for the shootings that led to numerous deaths.
International Reactions and Warnings
Iranian officials issued another warning to former U.S. President Donald Trump. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, responded to U.S. posturing with a pointed statement. He wrote, "We declare the names of the main killers of the people of Iran: 1- Trump 2- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu."
Trump's Mixed Messages
The protests initially began in late December. They erupted in anger over Iran's ailing economy and soon targeted the theocracy itself, particularly 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Images obtained by The Associated Press from Tehran demonstrations showed graffiti and chants calling for Khamenei's death. Such actions could carry a death sentence under Iranian law.
As the reported death toll grew on Tuesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. He wrote, "Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!" He added, "I have canceled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY."
However, hours later, Trump told reporters his administration awaited an accurate report on the number of protesters killed before acting "accordingly." He commented on Iranian security forces, saying, "It would seem to me that they have been badly misbehaving, but that is not confirmed."
Communication Challenges and Starlink's Role
Several people in Tehran managed to call The Associated Press on Tuesday and speak with a journalist. The AP bureau in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, could not call those numbers back. Witnesses reported text messaging remained down. Internet users in Iran could connect to government-approved local websites but nothing abroad.
Witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisal. They described police standing at major intersections. Security officials in plainclothes were visible in public spaces. Anti-riot police officers wore helmets and body armor. They carried batons, shields, shotguns, and tear gas launchers.
Starlink Provides Free Service
Activists announced on Wednesday that satellite internet provider Starlink has begun offering free service in Iran. Mehdi Yahyanejad, a Los Angeles-based activist who helped bring equipment into the country, confirmed this to The Associated Press. Other activists also verified online that the service was being provided at no cost.
"We can confirm that the free subscription for Starlink terminals is fully functional," Yahyanejad stated. "We tested it using a newly activated Starlink terminal inside Iran."
Starlink has become the only way for Iranians to communicate with the outside world since authorities shut down the internet last Thursday night. This shutdown occurred as nationwide protests swelled and a bloody crackdown against demonstrators began.
