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More than 2K reported killed in Iran protests as Trump vows support

Written by BloombergPublished jan. 14 2026Last Updated jan. 14 2026

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A human rights group said more than 2,000 people have been killed during a violent crackdown on protests across Iran.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said it had confirmed the deaths of protesters, government-affiliated individuals, civilians and children over 17 days despite an internet blackout.

An Iranian official told Reuters that about 2,000 people had died but blamed “terrorists” for the violence.

US President Donald Trump said he was seeking accurate figures and would respond once the death toll was confirmed.

The killing looks like it's significant, but we don't know yet for certain.

Donald Trump said.

Once we have the numbers, we'll act accordingly.

He added.

Trump said on social media that Iranian authorities would “pay a big price” and urged people to continue protesting.

I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stops. Help is on its way.

Donald Trump said.

Protests reportedly spread to 180 cities and towns after Iran’s currency collapse and soaring living costs.

The demonstrations escalated into calls for political change and were met with lethal force and a near-total internet shutdown.

HRANA said it was reviewing reports of hundreds more deaths beyond those already confirmed.

We're horrified, but we still think the number is conservative.

Skylar Thompson said.

Iran Human Rights said it had verified hundreds of protester deaths based on limited hospital and regional data.

The real number of those killed is likely in the thousands.

Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said.

Hospitals in Tehran were described as overwhelmed as families searched for bodies at forensic centres.

In most hospitals, it's like a warzone.

Shahram Kordasti said.

Iran’s foreign minister said the government was open to diplomacy but accused foreign-backed groups of infiltrating protests.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper summoned Iran’s ambassador over what she called the brutal killings.

The UN human rights chief urged Iran to halt violence and warned against using the death penalty against protesters.

Iranian judicial officials said those involved in unrest would be dealt with severely as arrests climbed into the thousands.

Trump warned the US would take “very strong action” if Iranian authorities began executing protesters.