12.01.2026 11:51
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made statements regarding the protests that have been ongoing in the country for 15 days. Araghchi stated that the protests, in which 538 people lost their lives, have been completely brought under control, but he did not provide any evidence to support his claim. Current footage being circulated from the country also revealed that the demonstrations are still continuing.
While thousands of people took to the streets in Iran citing economic problems, the number of those who lost their lives in the protests rose to 538 on the 15th day of demonstrations.
MORE THAN 10,000 ARRESTS
HRANA reported that at least 538 people have died in nationwide protests over the past two weeks, including 490 protesters and 48 security personnel. The statement also indicated that more than 10,600 people have been detained.
THE TOLL IS HEAVY
Meanwhile, while Iranian officials have not made an official statement regarding the death toll, the Associated Press (AP) reported that it could not independently verify the figures related to the casualties. HRANA had announced that the latest death toll had risen to 116.
NEW STATEMENT FROM THE IRANIAN MINISTER
Today, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi, who appeared before the cameras, made evaluations regarding the protests in the country. Referring to U.S. President Donald Trump's statements threatening intervention, Arakchi claimed that following these messages, the protests had taken on a "bloody form that would provide a pretext for intervention."
"WE ARE READY FOR DIALOGUE AND FOR WAR"
Arakchi conveyed the message that "we are ready for dialogue and for war" regarding the U.S. threats of intervention. The Iranian government also emphasizes that it could retaliate in the region in the event of possible foreign intervention. While internet and communication restrictions imposed in the country remain a topic of discussion, Arakchi stated that internet service would be restored in coordination with security forces.
HE SAID "THE SITUATION IS UNDER CONTROL" BUT...
On the other hand, Arakchi claimed that "the situation has been completely brought under control" following the bloody crackdown on protests across the country. While Arakchi did not provide any evidence to support his claim, recent footage coming from the country revealed that the protests were still ongoing.
PROTESTS IN IRAN
Protests that began on December 28, 2025, initiated by shopkeepers in the Grand Bazaar of Tehran due to the significant devaluation of the local currency against foreign currencies and economic problems, spread to many cities across the country.
While no official statement has been made regarding those who died or were injured in the protests, HRANA reported in a report published on January 10 (on the 14th day of the protests) that 116 people, including 37 security personnel and 4 healthcare workers, had lost their lives, over 2,600 people had been injured, and 2,638 people had been detained.