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Iran's 'Vindication Jihad': 20,000 Protesters Killed Since 2025

1/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Since December 2025, Iranian security forces have killed up to 20,000 protesters, with fears that the number is higher.
The violence is part of a dual strategy that includes digital propaganda aimed at shaping the international narrative.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei of Iran describes this approach as 'vindication jihad' to control the information landscape and suppress dissent domestically and abroad.

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Story summary

Since December 2025, Iranian security forces have killed up to 20,000 protesters, with fears that the number is higher.
The violence is part of a dual strategy that includes digital propaganda aimed at shaping the international narrative.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei of Iran describes this approach as 'vindication jihad' to control the information landscape and suppress dissent domestically and abroad.