- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reports 3,117 deaths from late December 2025 protests: 2,427 civilians/security forces, 690 terrorists.
- Damage includes 300 private homes, 750 banks, 414 government buildings, 749 police stations, 200 schools, 350 mosques destroyed.
- HRANA documents higher toll of 5,002 confirmed deaths, 26,752 arrests, 7,391 severe injuries by protest day 26.
- Protests began over economic grievances, escalated with security force crackdown involving live ammunition reported by Amnesty International.
- Internet blackout from January 8 limited reporting; UN rapporteur cites medical sources estimating up to 20,000 civilian deaths.
Tehran (Washington Insider Megazine) January 24, 2026 - Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has published official figures on casualties and property damage from nationwide protests that began in late December 2025. The government reports 3,117 deaths, including 2,427 civilians and security forces, and 690 identified as terrorists. Damage affected 300 private homes, 750 banks, 414 government buildings, 749 police stations, 200 schools, and 350 mosques, among other sites.
Araghchi shared the data on social media platform X, describing the events as mayhem from a terrorist operation. The figures respond to comments by US Vice President JD Vance on handling US unrest. Rights groups report higher death tolls, with HRANA citing 5,002 confirmed deaths and thousands more under investigation.
Foreign Minister Araghchi Shares Detailed Breakdown
Credit: Atta Kenare / AFP via Getty Images
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi listed extensive damage in his X post on January 23, 2026. Affected infrastructure includes 305 ambulances and buses, 24 gas stations, 700 convenience stores, 300 private homes, 750 banks, 414 government buildings, 749 police stations, 120 Basij centres, 200 schools, 350 mosques, 15 libraries, and two Armenian churches.
Additional damage struck 253 bus stations, 600 ATMs, and 800 private vehicles. Araghchi stated the death toll reached 3,117, with 2,427 civilians and security forces killed, and 690 classified as terrorists.
The Martyrs Foundation reported 2,427 of the fatalities as civilians and security personnel.
Rights Groups Report Higher Casualty Numbers
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported 5,002 deaths as of January 22, 2026, with 26,752 arrests and 7,391 severe injuries by the 26th day of protests.
HRANA documented 4,519 deaths, including 4,251 demonstrators, 197 security personnel, 35 minors, and 38 bystanders, with 9,049 additional cases under review.
UN special rapporteur Mai Sato cited medical reports estimating up to 20,000 civilian deaths.
Iran International reported over 12,000 killed during the crackdown on January 8 and 9, 2026.
Protests Originate from Economic Grievances
Credit: specialeurasia.com
Protests erupted in late December 2025 over declining currency value and rising living costs, initially led by shopkeepers.
The unrest expanded into broader anti-government demonstrations, which Iranian officials labelled a terrorist operation incited by the United States.
Security forces responded with lethal force, drawing criticism from human rights organisations.
Government Actions During the Unrest
Iran's National Security Council issued the first official toll of 3,117 deaths on January 21, 2026.
Prosecutor General announced on January 21 that the sedition had ended, vowing punishment for those responsible.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated in a January 17 speech that several thousand people were killed during the protests.
Human Rights Reports Document Crackdown Methods
Amnesty International reported security forces used live ammunition, tear gas, and crowd-control weapons, targeting unarmed protesters in the head and torso.
HRW documented mass killings after protests escalated on January 8, 2026.
Videos from Malekshahi showed IRGC agents firing from a Basij base, killing three to four protesters instantly.
Internet Restrictions Limit Information Flow
An internet blackout began on January 8, 2026, restricting casualty reporting for several days.
HRANA verified 483 protester deaths by January 11, with 579 under investigation.
The Center for Human Rights in Iran estimated 490 protester deaths as of January 11.
International Reactions to Reported Figures
US Vice President JD Vance commented on US protest handling in Minneapolis on January 22, prompting Araghchi's response.
President Donald Trump called for US intervention in favour of demonstrators.
Araghchi wrote in the Wall Street Journal that Iran would respond with full force to aggression, citing restraint shown in 2024.
Casualty Estimates from Various Sources
CBS News cited activist groups estimating up to 20,000 deaths on January 13, 2026.
The Sunday Times reported 16,500 to 18,000 killed and 330,000 injured on January 17.
NewsNation sources estimated figures closer to 30,000 than HRANA counts.
Iran International verified 4,714 adult protester deaths, 42 minors, 207 security forces, and 39 non-participants by January 22, with 9,798 under investigation.
Damage to Public Infrastructure Detailed
Araghchi's figures included destruction to emergency services with 305 ambulances and buses damaged.
Educational facilities saw 200 schools affected, alongside 15 libraries.
Religious sites numbered 350 mosques and two Armenian churches impacted.
Financial infrastructure suffered with 750 banks, 600 ATMs, and 700 convenience stores damaged.
Arrest and Injury Statistics Reported
HRANA documented 26,752 arrests by January 6, 2026.
Over 7,391 sustained severe injuries by day 26 of protests.
The Guardian reported three children killed and over 40 minors arrested in the first eight days.
Medical and Logistical Strain Described
Hospitals and morgues faced body bag shortages, storing bodies in corridors.
No funeral ceremonies permitted in some cases, with families pressured not to speak publicly.
Doctors provided reports to UN rapporteur estimating 20,000 civilian deaths.
Government Classification of Events
Iranian officials consistently described protests as terrorist mayhem.
Prosecutor General declared the sedition over on January 21.
National Security Council provided the initial official death toll.
UN and International Monitoring Efforts
Credit: iranintl.com
UN Human Rights Council extended mandates for fact-finding on January 23, 2026.
Special rapporteur Mai Sato updated estimates based on internal medical sources.
Amnesty International and HRW issued reports on security force tactics.
Timeline of Protest Escalation
Protests began late December 2025 over economic issues.
Escalation occurred on January 8 with widespread violence.
Internet cutoff limited reporting from January 8.
Official figures released January 21-23.
Comparison of Official and Independent Counts
Government: 3,117 total deaths.
HRANA: 5,002 confirmed, 9,049 under review.
UN rapporteur: Up to 20,000 civilians.
Iran International: 12,000 on January 8-9.