Tehran: A new confidential report by Iranian medical professionals indicates that at least 16,500 people have been killed and around 330,000 injured during the Iranian government’s violent repression of anti-government protests, far exceeding previously confirmed official counts.
The nationwide demonstrations began on December 28, 2025, initially over economic grievances, and rapidly morphed into the most widespread anti-regime movement seen in Iran in decades, spreading to all 31 provinces. The crackdown by security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij militia units, has been described as brutal and indiscriminate.
According to data reportedly compiled by doctors working in eight major hospitals and 16 emergency departments, most of the victims were under 30 years old and suffered severe injuries such as gunshot wounds to the head, neck and chest. The report also highlights instances of eye injuries, with hundreds of protesters losing vision from gunshots or pellets.
“Genocide Under the Cover of Digital Darkness”
Professor Amir Parasta, an Iranian-German eye surgeon quoted in international media, described the crackdown as a “genocide under the cover of digital darkness,” pointing to the near-total internet blackout imposed by Tehran around January 8, which lasted for over a week and hampered independent verification of the violence.
Eyewitness accounts and medical professionals report that military-grade weapons and snipers have been used against unarmed demonstrators, with hospitals struggling under severe strain and shortages, including blood supplies.
Divergent Figures and Official Responses
While Iranian authorities have not released comprehensive casualty statistics, rights groups and doctor-led assessments suggest that actual deaths and injuries may be far higher than earlier tallies. Other credible sources have independently reported over 3,000 deaths confirmed by human rights groups, noting the ongoing severity of the crackdown.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has acknowledged that “thousands” were killed, though he attributed unrest to foreign influence and labelled many demonstrators as criminals.
International Reaction
Human rights organizations and protest observers have condemned the excessive use of force and called for accountability. The near-total blackout and restrictions on information have made it difficult for independent monitors to verify the full scale of casualties, but reports of mass arrests, targeted killings and the use of lethal force continue to draw global attention.
