"648 Dead in Iran Protests...Possibility of Over 6,000 Fatalities"

Overseas Groups: "Death Sentences Handed Down Immediately After Protesters' Arrests"
In Response to US Military Intervention Remarks: "Considering Dialogue"

As protests against Iran's economic crisis continue into their 16th day, the authorities' harsh crackdown has led to a sharp increase in fatalities. Some sources suggest that more than 6,000 people may have died.

According to the Norway-based organization Iran Human Rights (IHR) on the 12th (local time), at least 648 protesters have been confirmed dead as of that day.

On the 8th (local time), a vehicle was burning at a protest site in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

Among the deceased, nine are reported to be under the age of 18.

IHR stated that this figure only includes deaths that have been directly confirmed or verified by two independent organizations, noting, "Some estimates suggest that more than 6,000 people may have died."

On the 8th, Erfan Soltani, a man who participated in protests in Karaj near the capital Tehran, was arrested and sentenced to death. His execution is reportedly scheduled for the 14th.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that 599 people have died, including 510 protesters and 89 members of the military and police. The organization is working to verify additional reported deaths.

HRANA also revealed that videos and information have spread showing a large number of bodies stored in forensic facilities in Tehran and the nearby Kahrizak area. Analysis of some of these videos suggests that the number of bodies could be as high as 250.

Additionally, HRANA claimed that 10,681 people have been arrested during the protests, and there have been 96 cases of forced confessions from those detained.

Iran's state-run IRIB also reported on the situation by broadcasting footage of a large warehouse filled with bodies.

The Iranian government has not released the total number of casualties. Foreign media outlets, including the Associated Press, have reported that communication blackouts in Iran make it impossible to assess the full scale of the damage.

The Iranian government declared a three-day national mourning period the previous day and labeled the casualties as the work of "urban terrorists."

As the protests intensify, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei highlighted a pro-government rally held in response to the economic crisis protests. He posted photos of government supporters gathering on his official website and social media accounts, including X (formerly Twitter), stating, "The people of Iran have reaffirmed their resolve and identity in the face of their enemies."

According to AFP and other outlets, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the ambassadors of several European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, to protest their support for the protesters.

Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in an interview with the Arab network Al Jazeera, "We do not believe that the United States is prepared to negotiate fairly and justly," but added, "If the United States is ready, we will seriously consider this issue," referring to the possibility of resuming nuclear negotiations. As protests over the economic crisis intensify and US President Donald Trump hinted at possible military intervention the previous day, it appears that Iran is considering dialogue to avoid further escalation.

Regarding the domestic protests, Araghchi reiterated claims of foreign involvement, stating, "There are those who are trying to drag the United States into war for the benefit of Israel."