January 11, 2026
Iran protest death toll exceeds 2,400 as Trump weighs action
Death toll ranges from 538 to 2,000+ as Trump considers strikes
🌍Foreign Policy🛡️National Security
The death toll from Iran's crackdown on anti-government protests reached at least 2,571 people by January 14, 2026, including 2,403 verified protesters, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The protests began in late December 2025. President Trump urged Iranians to continue protesting on January 13, 2026, stating "help is on its way" and warning Iran against executing protesters, threatening "very strong action" in response. Trump canceled meetings with Iranian officials until the killing stops. Iranian authorities escalated repression with mass arrests and executions of protesters, including the scheduled execution of Erfan Soltani on January 14, 2026. Iran warned it will retaliate if the U.S. attacks. Security forces continue clashing with protesters in Tehran's main market and other cities. Internet access has been cut off for five days, though some landline and mobile phone users were briefly able to call abroad on January 13.
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported the death toll from Iran's protest crackdown reached at least 2,571 people by January 14, 2026, including a verified count of 2,403 protesters. The protests began in late December 2025, marking one of the deadliest government crackdowns in Iran's recent history.
President 
Donald Trump urged Iranians to keep protesting on January 13, 2026, posting on social media that "HELP IS ON ITS WAY" and encouraging demonstrators to continue their resistance. Trump warned Iran against executing protesters, stating the U.S. would take "very strong action" in response to any executions.
Trump canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the government stops killing peaceful protesters. This diplomatic freeze represents a significant escalation in U.S. pressure on Iran, though Trump's administration has not specified what military or economic actions it might take.
Iranian authorities have escalated repression through mass arrests and executions of protesters. Protester Erfan Soltani was scheduled to be executed on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Iran's government has charged many demonstrators with capital offenses including "sedition" and "enmity against God."
Iran's government warned it will retaliate if the United States attacks, with officials stating the country is prepared for military confrontation. This warning came after Trump's public statements suggesting potential U.S. intervention and his characterization of Iranian leaders' actions as requiring immediate response.
Security forces continue clashing with protesters in Tehran's Grand Bazaar and other major cities across Iran. Videos show violent confrontations between riot police and demonstrators, with authorities using live ammunition, tear gas, and mass arrests to suppress the uprising.
Earlier reports documented specific incidents of the crackdown's brutality: BBC journalists counted approximately 180 body bags in footage from a single morgue, illustrating the scale of killings concentrated in certain areas. HRANA's verification process confirms deaths through multiple sources including family members, medical records, and witness testimony.
🌍Foreign Policy🛡️National Security
People, bills, and sources
Donald Trump
President of the United States
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
Iran's Parliament Speaker
Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister of Israel
Marco Rubio
U.S. Secretary of State
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Supreme Leader of Iran
What You Can Do
1
civic action
Demand congressional authorization before Iran military strikes
Trump is weighing military options against Iran including direct strikes, but hasn't sought congressional authorization. The War Powers Resolution requires congressional approval for military operations involving hostilities.
Hi, I'm calling to demand Congress require authorization before any military strikes on Iran. Trump has been briefed on military options including direct strikes and cyberattacks. Iran's parliament speaker warned U.S. bases would be 'legitimate targets' if America strikes. I want the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold hearings and require congressional authorization before any military action. Thank you.
2
civic action
Contact House Armed Services Committee about Iran casualty verification
Death toll estimates range from 538 to 2,000+ with no independent verification. Congress should demand intelligence briefings on actual casualty figures before authorizing military action.
Hi, I'm calling about disputed Iran protest death tolls. Activists report 538 killed, Israeli sources claim 2,000+. Trump is considering military strikes based on these casualty reports. I want the Armed Services Committee to demand intelligence briefings verifying actual death toll figures before authorizing any military action. Thank you.