Donald Trump claims Persian nation seeks…as death toll rises above 500; Reza Pahlavi calls for nationwide…

Iran is witnessing its worst wave of unrest in years, with human rights groups warning that the death toll from protests across the country could be in the hundreds. The demonstrations, which began due to economic distress, quickly turned into a broad challenge to the country’s political system and triggered a harsh security response.

Conflicting Death Estimates Raise Global Alarm

Norway-based rights organization Iran Human Rights (IHR) said it had confirmed the deaths of at least 192 protesters but warned the real number could be much higher. The group described the violence as a serious international crime, citing unconfirmed reports that suggested hundreds and possibly more than 2,000 people may have been killed.

Another monitor, Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), reported the deaths of at least 420 demonstrators, including children, in the past two weeks. These figures intensified international concern about the extent of force used.

Graphic Evidence Emerges Amid Information Blackout

Video footage confirmed by international media reportedly shows scores of bodies outside a morgue near Tehran, with grieving families trying to identify their loved ones. Human rights groups say such images reinforce fears that the official death toll is significantly below the true toll.

The protests continued despite a nationwide internet outage that lasted several days. Monitoring groups say the power outage has severely restricted the flow of information, making it difficult to assess the full extent of deaths and arrests. Thousands of people are believed to have been detained.

Economic Disruption and Urban Paralysis

Journalists on the ground say Tehran remains largely inactive, with many businesses closed and security forces deployed throughout the city. Inflation continues to worsen, food prices are soaring, and the popular anger that initially sparked the unrest is fueling further.

What started as protests against the rising cost of living has now grown into a broader movement opposing the theocratic system established after the 1979 revolution.

Escalation of the Issue and Calls for Formal Feedback

Exiled former crown prince Reza Pahlavi announced a new phase of resistance, calling on protesters to occupy main streets and security forces to side with the people. He also called on Iranians abroad to take symbolic action in diplomatic missions.

However, Iranian leaders blamed foreign actors for the unrest. President Masoud Pezeshkian accused opponents of exploiting the situation, while authorities warned that legal action against protesters would be uncompromising.

International Pressure and Wider Influences

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Iranian authorities to show restraint, respect fundamental freedoms and restore communication. While Israel supported the protesters, the United States warned Tehran against further bloodshed.

Analysts warn that the crisis could have global consequences, especially if calls for attacks disrupt Iran’s oil exports, adding economic risks to an already unstable situation.