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57m ago

Iran Protest Deaths Top 500 as US Weighs Response and Tehran Issues Threats

The unrest that began over a currency collapse has widened into nationwide protests challenging Iran’s clerical rule.

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Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026. The nationwide protests started in Tehran's Grand Bazaar against the failing economic policies in late December, which spread to universities and other cities, and included economic slogans, to political and anti-government ones. (Photo by MAHSA / Middle East Images via AFP)
Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026. The nationwide protests started in Tehran's Grand Bazaar against the failing economic policies in late December, which spread to universities and other cities, and included economic slogans, to political and anti-government ones. (Photo by MAHSA / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Rights group HRANA reports more than 500 people killed and over 10,600 detained, with many deaths blamed on live rounds or pellet fire at close range.
  • The government has enforced a near‑countrywide shutdown of internet and phone services, severely limiting independent verification as activists try satellite links to share footage.
  • Tehran has declared three days of national mourning and state TV aired images of body bags, portraying the dead as victims of “armed terrorists” as rights groups accuse security forces of using lethal force.
  • President Donald Trump said he is looking at “very strong options,” with US briefings expected on potential military, cyber and other measures, though no decisions have been announced.
  • Iran’s parliamentary speaker warned that US bases, regional shipping and Israel would be considered legitimate targets if Iran is attacked, elevating concerns over a wider regional confrontation.