Iran Protests

Activists say the death toll in nationwide protests challenging Iran's theocracy has reached at least 116 people killed. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency gave the new figure, saying arrests had reached more than 2,600 people as well. The agency has been accurate in multiple rounds of unrest previously. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signaled a coming clampdown, despite U.S. warnings from President Donald Trump that America could intervene to protect peaceful demonstrators. Tehran escalated its threats Saturday, with the Iran’s attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, warning that anyone taking part in protests will be considered an “enemy of God,” a death-penalty charge.

U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran wants to negotiate with the U.S. after his threat to strike the country over its crackdown on protesters. Activists said Tuesday the death toll in the demonstrations has risen to at least 646. Iran hasn’t yet responded to Trump’s comments. Trump and his team are considering responses including cyberattacks and direct strikes, and Trump has announced that countries doing business with Iran will face 25% tariffs from the U.S. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted that “the situation has come under total control” in remarks that blamed Israel and the U.S. for the violence without offering evidence. Tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators rallied Monday.

A U.S.-based activist agency reports at least 3,919 deaths during recent protests in Iran. This figure surpasses previous estimates and highlights the severity of the crackdown. The Human Rights Activists News Agency relies on a network of activists for verification. Iranian officials have not provided a clear death toll, but Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei mentioned "several thousand" deaths. The protests began over Iran's struggling economy. Iranian leaders blame the U.S. for the unrest. Tensions with the U.S. have been high, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening action if violence against protesters continued. Internet access in Iran remains restricted.