An Iranian official has reported that the death toll from intensified clashes between authorities and protesters during large-scale anti-government demonstrations in Iran has surpassed 5,000.
In an interview with Reuters on the 18th (local time), an Iranian official who requested anonymity stated, "We have confirmed that at least 5,000 people have died as a result of these protests, including about 500 security personnel." The official added that the highest number of deaths occurred in the northwestern region of Iran, where Kurdish separatists are active.
This figure far exceeds the death toll compiled by human rights organizations. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimated that, as of the previous day, 3,308 people had died in the protests and said it was separately reviewing 4,382 additional cases. The number of arrests was believed to have exceeded 24,000.
The official predicted, "It does not appear that the final death toll will increase sharply." According to foreign media outlets such as The New York Times and Reuters, the recent protests have largely subsided.
Since last month, anti-government demonstrations have continued in Iran in protest against the collapse of the currency's value, high inflation, and other economic hardships. Iranian authorities have completely cut off internet and communications in an effort to prevent the spread of the protests, making it difficult to accurately assess the extent of the damage.
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