Death Toll in Iran Protests Surpasses 3,000: Human Rights Group

Tehran, January 17, 2026 — The death toll from Iran’s ongoing anti-government protests has surpassed 3,000, according to a US-based human rights organization, as authorities continue a sweeping crackdown and maintain severe restrictions on internet access.
The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said at least 3,090 people have been killed during the past two weeks of unrest, including 2,885 protesters. The group reported that the demonstrations, which erupted over rising living costs in December, have evolved into one of the largest challenges to Iran’s government in recent years.
Local residents told Reuters that protests have largely subsided following intensified security operations. In the capital Tehran, the situation has remained relatively calm for the past four days, although drones have continued to patrol the skies. No major demonstrations were reported on Thursday or Friday, while state media announced further arrests.
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks said Iran’s internet connectivity showed a slight increase on Sunday after being shut down for nearly 200 hours. However, access remains at only around 2% of normal levels. Several Iranians living abroad said they were briefly able to communicate with contacts inside the country early Saturday.
Amnesty International has described the crackdown as an “unprecedented wave of unlawful killings” and has urged the United Nations to take immediate action. The Iranian government has not issued updated official figures on casualties.
The protests have drawn international concern, with Western governments warning of escalating human rights violations and growing instability in the region.