Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Iran Protests Claim 3,766 Lives Amid Unrest

1/18/2026

30 2

Summary

Story summary

A U.S.-based activist agency reported at least 3,766 deaths during recent protests in Iran, a figure that may rise.
The figure echoes the scale of unrest seen in the 1979 revolution.
Iranian officials have not confirmed the death toll, but Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged several thousand deaths and blamed the United States.
The protests began on December 28 over economic issues, leading to 24,348 arrests.

1 of 1

Story summary

A U.S.-based activist agency reported at least 3,766 deaths during recent protests in Iran, a figure that may rise.
The figure echoes the scale of unrest seen in the 1979 revolution.
Iranian officials have not confirmed the death toll, but Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged several thousand deaths and blamed the United States.
The protests began on December 28 over economic issues, leading to 24,348 arrests.