January 9, 2026 | 10:36 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The death toll from ongoing protests in Iran has risen to 45, including eight minors, according to Norway-based non-governmental organization Iran Human Rights (IHR) on Thursday, as reported by Anadolu Agency.
The demonstrations, which began on December 28, have now continued for 12 consecutive days.
Human rights groups have accused Iranian security forces of shooting demonstrators. IHR stated that at least 45 people, including eight minors, have been killed since the start of the protests.
Wednesday was the deadliest day, with 13 confirmed fatalities. Hundreds of others have been injured, and over 2,000 people have been detained, according to IHR.
“The evidence shows that the scope of the crackdown is becoming more violent and more extensive every day,” said IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, as quoted by CNA.
Iranian media and official statements have reported at least 21 deaths, including security forces. On Wednesday, an Iranian police officer was killed in western Tehran while attempting to “control unrest,” according to Fars news agency.
The movement began with the closure of Tehran’s markets after the rial plummeted to an all-time low. Protests have since spread nationwide, including in all 31 provinces, and have escalated into larger-scale demonstrations in major cities such as Tehran, Mashhad, and Shiraz.
According to IHR, most injuries have been caused by rubber and plastic bullets. Authorities have not released official statements regarding the death or injury toll.
IHR also reported that a woman in Abadan was shot directly in the eye on Wednesday night. Human rights groups have accused authorities of raiding hospitals to detain injured demonstrators.
"Iran's security forces have injured and killed both protesters and bystanders," said Amnesty International, accusing authorities of using "unlawful force".
Protests Persist Despite Crackdown
Despite the harsh crackdown, demonstrations continued into Thursday night. Large-scale protests were reported across all provinces, and internet and phone services were reportedly cut nationwide. “Real-time data indicate Iran is now experiencing a nationwide internet blackout,” said NetBlocks.
Social media images showed large crowds gathering on Tehran’s Ayatollah Kashani Boulevard and in western cities such as Abadan.
In southern Fars province, demonstrators toppled a statue of Qassem Soleimani, the former Revolutionary Guard commander killed in a U.S. strike in 2020.
Kurdish opposition parties based in Iraq called for a general strike on Thursday in Kurdish-inhabited areas of western Iran.
Human rights group Hengaw reported that the strike was widely observed in around 30 cities and regions, with closed shops seen in Ilam, Kermanshah, and Lorestan provinces.
International Reactions
U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Thursday that the United States would respond “very hard” if Iranian authorities begin killing demonstrators.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for “utmost restraint” in handling the protests, urging that any violent or coercive behaviour should be avoided”
The protests have heightened concerns for Iran’s government under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which continues to struggle with a deepening economic crisis following years of sanctions and ongoing regional tensions.
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