Iran Protests Turn Deadly: Death Toll Rises to 35 Nationwide

Violence linked to ongoing protests in Iran has claimed at least 35 lives, according to activist groups, as demonstrations continue to spread despite security crackdowns.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported on Tuesday that more than 1,200 people have been detained during protests that have now entered their second week. The group said those killed include 29 protesters, four children, and two members of Iran’s security forces. Demonstrations have been recorded in more than 250 locations across 27 of Iran’s 31 provinces, showing the wide reach of the unrest.

The agency relies on a network of activists inside Iran and has previously provided reliable figures during earlier periods of unrest. At the same time, Iranian state-linked media have acknowledged injuries among security personnel. The semiofficial Fars news agency reported that around 250 police officers and 45 members of the Basij volunteer force were wounded during clashes with protesters.

Tensions have also grown beyond Iran’s borders. U.S. President Donald Trump warned last week that the United States would act if peaceful protesters were violently targeted. His remarks drew sharp reactions from Iranian officials, who issued threats toward American forces in the Middle East. The warning gained added attention after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a close ally of Tehran.

This wave of protests is being described as the largest since 2022, when the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody sparked nationwide demonstrations. While the current unrest has not yet matched the intensity or scale of those protests, it reflects deep public anger fueled by economic pressure and political frustration.

Iran’s economy has been under strain following tighter sanctions and the aftermath of a brief war with Israel. In December, the national currency fell sharply, with the rial plunging to nearly 1.4 million to the U.S. dollar. Protests began soon after, driven by rising prices and worsening living conditions.

Understanding the full scope of the demonstrations remains difficult. State media has offered limited coverage, and journalists face strict controls on movement and reporting. Much of what is known comes from short videos shared online, showing crowds, chants, and the sound of gunfire in the background.

Despite warnings from Iran’s leadership and an increased security presence, protests have continued, signaling that public anger has not eased and that the situation on the ground remains tense and unpredictable.