Iran: 466 Reported Dead, 2,638 Arrested as Protests Escalate

Iran has issued a strong warning that it will respond forcefully to any military action by the United States, while continuing to accuse external forces of orchestrating the ongoing nationwide demonstrations against the government.

This development follows a report released by the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), which stated that at least 466 people have lost their lives, while 2,638 individuals have been taken into custody amid an intensifying security crackdown on protesters who continue to defy government orders.

Former US President Donald Trump had repeatedly cautioned that Washington could step in should Iranian authorities continue killing demonstrators.

According to reports that surfaced yesterday, the United States was actively reviewing possible military responses. The New York Times, citing several US officials, revealed that President Trump had been presented with multiple options, including targeted strikes on non-military locations in Tehran.

Another proposal reportedly involved large-scale air attacks on several Iranian military facilities, as disclosed by the Wall Street Journal, which referenced a senior US official familiar with the discussions.

Iran Threatens Retaliation, Points Finger at Foreign Influence

In response to the US warnings, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the Speaker of Iran’s parliament, declared that any American strike would be met with retaliation. He warned that such action would turn Israel and US military installations across the region into legitimate targets.

Qalibaf made these remarks during a parliamentary session marked by lawmakers chanting “Death to America!”, underscoring the regime’s defiant stance.

Iranian leaders have consistently blamed Washington for fueling unrest. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei previously accused protesters of damaging their own neighborhoods to satisfy the leader of another nation.

Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkia echoed similar sentiments, asserting that foreign-linked groups were behind the protests. However, he also adopted a more conciliatory tone by expressing willingness to hear public grievances.

Speaking for the first time about the protests during a televised interview on Iran’s economic challenges, Pezeshkia alleged that “terrorists” connected to outside powers were responsible for killings, mosque burnings, and attacks on public infrastructure.

He claimed Iran’s adversaries were attempting to instigate chaos and instability by directing violent unrest. At the same time, he stated that the government remained open to dialogue and was committed to addressing economic hardships facing citizens.

Pezeshkia urged Iranians to distance themselves from what he described as “rioters and terrorists,” accusing such elements of attempting to undermine the entire society.

Security Forces Intensify Crackdown as Death Toll Rises

Iran’s police chief, Ahmad-Reza Radan, confirmed on state television that confrontations with protesters had escalated significantly. He announced that security forces had carried out arrests overnight, targeting what he referred to as key organizers of the demonstrations.

Radan claimed that many of the deaths were caused by trained individuals acting under direction, rather than by security personnel, though he did not provide detailed evidence.

According to HRANA’s latest update, the death toll surged from 116 reported on January 10 to 466 fatalities. The organization stated that 162 of those killed were protesters, while 41 were members of Iran’s security forces.

HRANA also noted that previous findings showed many victims were shot using live bullets or pellet weapons, often at close range.

Medical staff at several hospitals reportedly struggled to cope with the influx of casualties. According to the BBC, hospital workers described being overwhelmed by injured and deceased individuals. BBC Persian verified that 70 bodies were taken to a hospital in Rasht city on Friday night, while a healthcare worker reported approximately 38 deaths at a hospital in Tehran.

Iran’s attorney general earlier warned that individuals arrested for protesting — or even assisting demonstrators — could face charges of being “an enemy of God,” a crime that carries the death penalty under Iranian law.

US Ambassador Says Regime Change Could End Regional Militancy

The situation has also drawn comments from Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, who suggested that the collapse of Iran’s current leadership could have far-reaching regional consequences.

Huckabee stated that ending what he described as “46 years of hateful and incompetent rule” could allow Iran’s historical culture of education, art, and strength to re-emerge.

He further argued that a change in government could potentially bring an end to groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, which Iran has long been accused of supporting.