Day After Khamenei Admits Thousands Died In Protests, Iranian Official Puts ‘Verified’ Toll At 5,000

Last Updated:January 18, 2026, 16:54 IST

An Iranian official reported at least 5,000 deaths in recent protests, including 500 security forces, with major clashes in Kurdish regions.

An Iranian official reported at least 5,000 deaths in recent protests, including 500 security forces, with major clashes in Kurdish regions. (AFP photo)

An Iranian official said on Sunday that authorities have verified at least 5,000 deaths linked to recent protests across Iran, including around 500 members of the security forces. The official blamed what he described as “terrorists and armed rioters" for the killings of “innocent Iranians."

Speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, the official said some of the deadliest clashes occurred in Iran’s Kurdish regions in the northwest. These areas have a history of unrest involving Kurdish separatist groups and have previously seen some of the most violent flare-ups during periods of nationwide protests.

“The final toll is not expected to increase sharply," the official said, alleging that Israel and armed groups operating abroad had supported and supplied those involved in the demonstrations.

Iranian authorities have repeatedly attributed domestic unrest to foreign adversaries, including Israel, a long-standing foe of the Islamic Republic that carried out military strikes on Iran in June.

Rights groups have reported significantly lower figures. The US-based HRANA said on Saturday that it had documented 3,308 deaths so far, with another 4,382 cases still under review. The group also reported confirming more than 24,000 arrests.

Meanwhile, the Norway-based Iranian Kurdish rights group Hengaw said that some of the most intense clashes since protests erupted in late December were concentrated in Kurdish-majority areas in northwestern Iran.

News world Iranian Official Says 'Verified' Death Toll In Protests Reaches At Least 5,000

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