Top Updates: Iran Protest Death Toll Tops 500 as Tehran Declares Three-Day Mourning, Warns US & Israel

Iran is at the epicentre of a dangerous, swirling, and unstable international politics maelström, as country-wide protests threaten to spiral out of control with a violent government cracking down. Started over economic collapse, the protests have, in fact, now become a challenge to the ruling elite. Hundreds have been killed and thousands have been rounded up, as international concerns have escalated in Washington, where President Donald Trump sits ready to take action.

Iran Declares Three-Day Mourning

Tehran declared three days of national mourning, identifying those who were killed in the protests as “martyrs” who sacrificed their lives in defense against foreign-backed subversion. State television broadcastfunerals for security forces who died, as government officials blamed protesters for brutality and vandalism. Nevertheless, a very different scenario has emerged according to human rights organizations. According toHuman Rights Activists News Agency, at least 538 people have died in only two weeks, most of whom appear to be civilians. More than 10,600 people, including minors, have also been picked up by security forces, according toHuman Rights Activists News Agency estimates.

US Evaluates Response as Iran Faces Widening Anti-Regime Demonstrations

Washington is also witnessing hectic deliberations because of the unrest occurring there. US officials have revealed that President Trump is soon going to receive briefings on available options, which could extend from diplomatic pressure to military action. Although no such decision is finalized yet, it is revealed that the administration is considering their course of action in case IranFurther intensifies its violent crackdown on Iranians in the coming days, after President Trump appeared to give the green light to military action against Iran on Monday night when he announced that while ground troops are ruled out, “all options” are on the table to deal with Iran.

Non-Military Options on the Table

Rhetoric aside, much of the debate in Washington centers on options short of war, including expanded sanctions aimed at Iran's energy and banking sectors, cyber operations to disrupt security infrastructure, and measures to counter internet blackouts. One proposal in consideration would expand access to satellite-based internet services to help protesters communicate during shutdowns. Similar measures were explored during Iran's 2022 protests, reflecting a growing belief that digital access can be a key player in shaping political outcomes.

Iran Warns of Retaliation

Tehran has reacted vigorously to any suggestion of US involvement. There have been warnings from senior Iranian legislators that any US military base, or US-owned shipping in the region, would be considered a legal target should the US involve itself. There is no doubt that the warning has been given: press hard, and you’ll receive force in return. There have also been clear warnings of possible preemptive strikes from the Iranian government, reflecting how quickly the current turmoil could escalate beyond the current levels of protest.

Top Updates on Iran Protest

• The nationwide crackdown on protests has only intensified with at least 538 people reportedly killed and more than 10,600 detained since unrest began.
• Demonstrations have continued across major cities such as Tehran and Mashhad amongst others, despite tight security and limited communications.
• Iran's government has shut down the internet and phones nationwide to limit the flow of information and disrupt protest coordination.
• The internet blackout has made the events harder to independently verify, with protests reported in many provinces.
• Security responses have included live ammunition, tear gas and heavy policing, actions in which activists have documented deaths among protesters and security forces alike.
• The Iranian authorities have branded some protesters as terrorists or enemies of God, warning of severe punishment, including the possibility of capital charges.
• Protests started at the end of last month and have since spread across the country, fueled by a cocktail of economic grievances inflation, currency collapse but also greater political discontent.
• Exiled opposition politicians and their supporters abroad have joined forces with the protesters in calling for further resistance and general strikes.
• The Iranian regime has presented different reactions, ranging from calls to address complaints to assertive statements rebuking foreign involvement and threatening attacks.