13.01.2026 14:03
Iran International claimed that at least 12,000 people were killed in the crackdown on protests that took place consecutively on January 8-9 in Iran. The report argued that internet outages and media blackouts were aimed at preventing the emergence of this claim.
Following the recent protests in Iran, it was claimed that the country has been placed under a coordinated communication and media blackout, with the purpose of concealing the large-scale massacre alleged to have occurred on the night of January 8-9. Iran International reported, based on reliable sources, that at least 12,000 people were killed within two nights.
"IRAN IS TRYING TO HIDE THE MASSACRE" The report emphasized that cutting off the internet, paralyzing communication, shutting down media organizations, and pressuring journalists and witnesses were aimed at preventing the events from coming to light. Iran International stated that, following a series of scattered but extremely shocking reports in recent days, it has conducted a comprehensive verification process while avoiding hasty and incomplete information sharing.
A MULTI-STAGE INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED The organization noted that the intensity of the information received since Sunday and the overlap of accounts reported from different sources allowed for a clearer picture to emerge. It was recorded that the editorial board conducted a multi-stage investigation based on information from a source close to the Iranian National Security Council, two separate sources from the presidential office, accounts from the Revolutionary Guards in Mashhad, Kermanshah, and Isfahan, testimonies from eyewitnesses and families of the deceased, field reports, data related to health centers, and information obtained from doctors and nurses.
"THE HEAVIEST MASSACRE IN THE COUNTRY'S HISTORY" As a result of these assessments, it was suggested that the largest killing event in Iran's contemporary history occurred on the night of January 8-9, with at least 12,000 people losing their lives over two consecutive nights. It was argued that, in terms of geographical spread, intensity of violence, and the rapid loss of life, this was an unprecedented event in Iranian history. It was claimed that the majority of the deceased were shot by the Revolutionary Guards and Basij forces, and that the events were not "spontaneous conflicts" but rather a completely organized operation.
"THE ORDER WAS GIVEN BY KHAMENEI" According to the information in the report, it was alleged that the operation was carried out under the direct instruction of Iran's religious leader Ali Khamenei, with the knowledge and approval of the three heads of power, and that the National Security Council issued a clear order for the use of live ammunition. It was also claimed that a significant portion of the deceased were young people under the age of 30.
Iran International reported that due to the current communication blockade, verifying the exact number will take time, but even in the internal assessments of security institutions, the death toll is stated to be at least 12,000. It was emphasized that security institutions in Iran have a tendency to hide death tolls and not record them officially, drawing attention to past experiences. The report also highlighted the extent of the media blackout in the country, stating that hundreds of national and local newspapers have been silenced since Thursday, which is an unprecedented situation in the history of Iranian press. It was noted that almost no independent media outlets are operating in the country except for the state television IRIB, and that the few remaining websites are publishing directly under the control of security forces.
CALL TO THE RELATIVES OF THE DECEASED Iran International called on everyone living inside and outside Iran to send any documents, videos, photos, and testimonies related to the deceased, health centers, conflict points, and the timing of the events. It was emphasized that the security and confidentiality of sources is of utmost priority.