Iran: Protest death toll hits 646 as crackdown on civilians continues, activists say

The death toll from Iran’s nationwide anti-government protests has climbed to at least 646, according to activists monitoring the unrest, as security forces continue a sweeping crackdown on demonstrators across the West Asian country.

The figures were reported by the Associated Press, citing the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has tracked fatalities during previous waves of unrest in Iran.

The group said early Tuesday that those killed include protesters as well as members of Iran’s security forces, and warned that the toll is likely to rise as information continues to trickle out despite severe restrictions on communications. The organisation relies on a network of activists inside Iran who cross-check names, locations and circumstances of deaths.


With the internet largely shut down and phone lines cut, the Associated Press said it has been unable to independently verify the figures. Iranian authorities have not released any comprehensive casualty data related to the protests.

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Rising toll amid communications blackout

According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, 512 of those killed were protesters, while 134 were members of the security forces. More than 10,700 people have also been detained since demonstrations erupted roughly two weeks ago, sparked by public anger over economic hardship and broader grievances against Iran’s ruling establishment.

The blackout on digital communications has made it increasingly difficult to assess the scale of the unrest. Witnesses speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity described cities falling silent after nightfall, with streets emptying as security patrols intensified. One witness said authorities had sent mass text messages warning families to keep children and teenagers away from demonstrations, threatening decisive action against what officials described as “rioters.”

Videos circulating online and reviewed by the AP appear to show rows of bodies inside what activists and people familiar with the site identified as the Kahrizak Forensic Medicine Center on the outskirts of Tehran. In the footage, grieving families are seen attempting to identify loved ones, though Iranian officials have not commented on the videos’ authenticity.

Despite the bloodshed, the Iranian government has sought to project an image of control. State television aired footage of tens of thousands of pro-government supporters rallying in Tehran and other cities, describing the gatherings as an “uprising against American-Zionist terrorism.” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed the situation was “under total control,” a statement for which he offered no evidence, the AP reported.

Read more: What to know about protests in Iran as the government halts internet and phone networks

Global pressure, Trump’s threats and diplomatic fallout

The rising death toll has drawn sharp international reactions and renewed pressure from the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran had reached out to propose negotiations following his warnings of possible military action if Tehran continued using lethal force against protesters.

“Iran called, they want to negotiate,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, according to the AP. Iranian officials did not immediately acknowledge his remarks and have previously warned that U.S. or Israeli intervention would make their forces “legitimate targets.”

Trump also announced that Iran’s trade partners would face 25% tariffs “effective immediately,” as part of an effort to isolate Tehran over the crackdown. China, Russia, Turkey and Brazil are among the countries that maintain economic ties with Iran.

The White House said airstrikes remain among the options under consideration, though diplomacy was described as the administration’s preferred route. “Diplomacy is always the first option for the president,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, while adding that Trump was unafraid to use military force if necessary.

European leaders have also condemned the violence. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz denounced what he described as brutal repression of civilians, while the European Parliament announced a ban on Iranian diplomats from its premises. Britain and Iran exchanged sharp statements after protesters removed Iran’s flag from its embassy in London, prompting Tehran to summon the British ambassador.

China and Turkey, meanwhile, cautioned against foreign intervention, urging stability and warning that outside involvement could worsen the crisis. Canada said it “stands with the brave people of Iran” and called on Tehran to halt what it described as horrific repression.