Media: at least 12,000 people killed during crackdown on protests in Iran
At least 12,000 people have been killed during the violent suppression of anti-government protests in Iran. This was reported by Iran International on 13 January, citing sources in the Islamic Republic's authorities and security structures.
According to journalists, the largest number of victims occurred on two nights of 8 and 9 January 2026, when the country was subject to an almost complete Internet blackout. The estimate is based on a comparison of information from several sources, including the presidential office, the Supreme National Security Council, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps units in Mashhad, Kermanshah and Isfahan, as well as hospital data, testimonies from doctors, families of the victims and eyewitnesses.
According to Iran International, the security forces used live ammunition not sporadically, but as part of a centralised operation. The publication states that the order to open fire was given on the direct instructions of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in coordination with the heads of all three branches of government.
Journalists emphasise that a significant number of the dead are young people under the age of 30. In terms of scale, geography and number of victims in a short period of time, these events are called unprecedented in Iran's modern history.
Along with the security operation, the authorities have effectively blocked the information space. Inside the country, hundreds of national and regional publications have ceased to operate, and most websites are under the direct control of the security forces. Iran International sees this as an attempt to conceal the real scale of the tragedy.
The editors of the publication called on Iranians at home and abroad to submit documents, photos, videos and testimonies related to the events in order to record the names of the dead and pass on verified materials to international organisations. The journalists emphasise that the final number of victims may increase after further verification.
Source and photo: Iran International
Iran, Khamenei
