At Least 12,000 Killed As Iran Cracks Down On Anti-Regime Protests: Report

Last Updated:January 13, 2026, 15:58 IST

At least 12,000 people have been killed in Iran during a nationwide crackdown on anti-regime protests.

A visual from the protests in Iran (Image: AFP)

Iranian opposition website Iran International claimed that at least 12,000 people were killed by Iranian security forces during a recent crackdown on nationwide anti-regime protests, describing it as “the largest killing in Iran’s modern history."

The figure is dramatically higher than the most widely reported estimates so far, which have put the confirmed death toll at several hundred, according to human rights groups and media reports. Independent verification of casualties remains difficult due to severe restrictions on information inside Iran.

Iran International reported that the killings were largely carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij forces, primarily over the nights of January 8 and 9. The outlet said the violence was organized and systematic, rather than the result of “sporadic" or “unplanned" clashes.

Iran International claimed the operation was conducted on the direct orders of Ali Khamenei, with the knowledge and approval of senior officials across Iran’s political system. It said an order permitting the use of live ammunition was issued by the Supreme National Security Council.

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