How Many People Have Been Killed in Iran's Brutal Protest Crackdown?

"Despite the communications blackout, a number of disturbing videos, first-hand accounts, and other reports have emerged from Iran. Taken together, they appear to confirm that at least a few thousand people have been killed. And though thereare no verifiable estimates of the death toll thus far, even that lowest estimate would be extraordinary in modern Iran's history. Reuters reported Tuesday that according to Iranian government officials, about 2,000 people were killed in the protests, including civilians and security personnel."

"The New York Times reported on Tuesday that according to senior government officials, the death toll was at least 3,000, but it's currently impossible to independently verify that: Human rights groups are struggling to reach their contacts inside Iran and follow the methodology they normally use to verify information but say they have counted more than 500 dead. Multiple American officials say that U.S. intelligence agencies have conservatively estimated that more than 600 protesters have been killed so far."

Communications blackouts have hindered independent verification, but disturbing videos, first‑hand accounts, and other reports indicate a high death toll. Multiple sources suggest at least a few thousand killed, though verifiable totals are lacking. Iranian government figures reported to Reuters put the deaths at about 2,000, while senior officials referenced at least 3,000. Human rights groups have counted more than 500 dead, and U.S. intelligence agencies have conservatively estimated over 600 protesters killed. Officials and agencies describe the protests and the crackdown as far more violent than the 2022 unrest. Some government officials say the toll could climb.

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