Activists Say Iran Protest Death Toll Tops 5K as Internet Blackout and U.S. Tensions Intensify

At least 5,002 people have been killed in Iran’s crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests, according to activists, who warn the true toll may be far higher as a near-total internet blackout enters its third week.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said most of the dead were demonstrators, including at least 43 children, and reported more than 26,800 arrests since protests erupted in late December.

Iranian authorities have denied higher casualty figures and rejected claims of impending mass executions, even as some detainees face charges that carry the death penalty.

The unrest has fueled growing tensions with Washington, with U.S. President Donald Trump warning that mass executions or the killing of peaceful protesters would be red lines, as a U.S. aircraft carrier group moves closer to the Middle East amid rising regional uncertainty.

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