Iran Protest: Death Toll Rise As Policeman, 48 Others Killed

An Iranian police officer has been killed during ongoing nationwide protests, as human rights groups report that over 48 demonstrators have also lost their lives since the unrest began late last month.

Local media said the officer, identified as Shahin Dehghan, was fatally stabbed while attempting to contain disturbances in Malard county, west of Tehran. His death brings the number of security personnel reportedly killed since the protests erupted on December 28 to at least 14, according to independent rights monitors.

The demonstrations, now in their 12th day, were initially triggered by protests in Tehran over soaring prices and the sharp collapse of Iran’s currency. They have since spread to at least 25 of the country’s 31 provinces, evolving into one of the most significant protest movements Iran has witnessed since the 2022–2023 unrest following the death of Mahsa Amini.

Rising Death Toll, Limited Verification

The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) says at least 48 protesters have been killed so far, while Norway-based Iran Human Rights places the figure at 51, including nine children. Iranian authorities, however, have confirmed only six deaths among security forces and have not provided an official civilian casualty figure.

Independent verification remains difficult. Most international media organisations are barred from operating inside Iran, and authorities imposed a near-total internet shutdown on Thursday night. Despite this, BBC Persian has confirmed the identities of 22 people who have died during the protests.

Khamenei Condemns Protesters

In a televised address, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the protesters as “vandals” acting to satisfy the interests of the United States and former President Donald Trump.

He accused demonstrators of destroying public property to “please the president of the US,” rejecting Washington’s statements of support for the protests. Khamenei said Trump’s record disqualified him from claiming concern for Iranians, accusing him of having “Iranian blood” on his hands following last year’s conflict with Israel.

Khamenei warned that the Islamic Republic, which he said was founded through immense sacrifice, would not retreat in the face of what he described as foreign-backed unrest.

Internet Shutdown and ‘Tiered Access’

While domestic internet access remains heavily restricted, Khamenei’s English-language account on X (formerly Twitter) has continued to post statements, reigniting debate about unequal internet access within Iran. Previous disclosures suggested that senior officials and state-linked media figures access banned platforms without VPNs, fuelling claims of a “tiered internet” system.

Economic Crisis Deepens

The protests come amid a worsening economic situation. On Thursday, the US dollar traded above 1.4 million rials on the unofficial market, while the euro surpassed 1.7 million rials, reflecting the rapid depreciation of the national currency.

Iranian officials have acknowledged the economic grievances driving the demonstrations but have warned against what they call “rioting,” pledging a decisive response to any attempt to destabilise the country. State media have reported multiple arrests, though no official figures have been released.

International Reactions

Iran’s foreign ministry has condemned comments from US officials and lawmakers supporting the protests, describing them as “meddlesome and deceptive.” The statement followed remarks by US Senator Lindsey Graham, who publicly backed Iranian protesters and warned Khamenei of consequences if killings continued.

Former President Donald Trump also warned Tehran that it would “get hit very hard” if further demonstrators were killed.

Iranian authorities rejected the US stance, accusing Washington of exploiting the unrest to advance its long-standing “maximum pressure” strategy and blaming American sanctions for much of the country’s economic hardship.

As protests continue, Iran’s leadership faces mounting pressure from a population grappling with economic collapse, international isolation and tightening internal controls.