Iran’s internet blackout has concealed the true extent of the regime’s violent crackdown on anti-government protesters, resulting in a rising death toll outside the country. Analysts believe this crackdown is the most severe since the establishment of the Islamic Republic nearly five decades ago.
NGOs, including the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, report that over 4,000 protesters have been confirmed dead, with the number continuing to increase. Iranian state television initially stated just over 3,000 deaths, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed the United States for the casualties.
Activists, such as Soran Mansournia, estimate that around 50,000 Starlink users in Iran are providing information despite the blackout. There are distressing reports of protesters being removed from hospitals, families being asked for “bullet fees” for the release of bodies, and security forces targeting individuals using satellite dishes.
The violent suppression has dampened protests that began due to economic struggles, with international attention mainly focused on U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments. Despite Trump’s threats and reports of thousands dead, he commended Iran for canceling planned executions. However, the threat of executions against protesters remains a concern, according to activists.
The Iranian regime faces internal challenges amid global scrutiny, with limited visible cracks in its governance structure. Escalating tensions, economic hardships, and a lack of engagement with the U.S. pose significant challenges for the regime. As the regime continues to stand, protesters remain hopeful for change, anticipating future waves of demonstrations unless there is substantial international intervention.
Calls for designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and closing Iranian embassies abroad are growing. The future remains uncertain, with the prevailing sentiment that the Islamic Republic’s legitimacy is waning among the people.