A human rights group reveals that the number of deaths in the major protests in Iran has increased to 648, while Iranian authorities have organized rallies for supporters to counter the protests.
On Monday, 12 Jan 2026 GMT+7, the Iran Human Rights (IHR) organization stated that the violent crackdown on protests in Iran has resulted in at least 648 deaths and approximately 10,000 arrests, as Iranian authorities attempt to regain control of the streets by organizing large rallies nationwide.
IHR, headquartered in Norway, also reported that among the dead are nine youths and thousands more injured, warning that the actual death toll is likely much higher. Some unconfirmed reports suggest figures as high as 6,000, though there is no official confirmation.
IHR added that the prolonged internet blackout aims to conceal the extent of the bloodshed, making it difficult to verify reports of fatalities.
The protests in Iran erupted on 28 Dec 2025 GMT+7 due to dissatisfaction with the depreciating currency, escalating into broader anti-government demonstrations against the regime that has ruled since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The government is trying to regain control by calling on supporters to hold rallies across the country on Monday. Large crowds gathered to hear speeches by pro-government officials while holding signs opposing the United States and Israel.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, told the crowd that Iran is engaged in a "four-front war," consisting of economic warfare, psychological warfare, "military warfare" against the United States and Israel, and the "war against terrorists today," referring to the protesters.
Ghalibaf also pledged that the Iranian military would deliver an "unforgettable lesson" to U.S. President Donald Trump if Iran were attacked.
On Sunday, Trump claimed that the Iranian government, under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had reached out to him seeking "negotiations" after he repeatedly threatened military intervention if Tehran continued killing protesters.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said at a meeting of foreign ambassadors in Tehran, "The Islamic Republic of Iran does not seek war, but we are fully prepared for war."
"We are also ready for negotiations, but such talks must be just, based on equal rights, and founded on mutual respect."
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Source:cna