Iran protests enter 3rd week, death toll tops 500; What we know so far | World News
Iran is facing its deadliest wave of unrest in years as nationwide protests stretch into a third week, with activs reporting more than 500 deaths and thousands of arrests, while US President Donald Trump says Tehran has reached out to Washington to negotiate after he warned of possible action over the crackdown.
What happened in Iran?
Protests began on December 28 after the Iranian rial collapsed and prices surged, hitting living costs.The demonstrations quickly spread across the country and turned into direct challenges to Iran’s clerical leadership.
Activs say protests have taken place in over 180 cities across all provinces.
Death toll and arrests
The death toll in Iran has risen, according to a US-based rights group that has been tracking casualty numbers amid widespread anti-regime protests in the country.
Activs take part in a rally supporting protesters in Iran at Lafayette Park, across from the White House in Washington. (Photo: AP)
At least 544 people have been killed during the demonstrations over the past 15 days, including eight children, according to an update from the Human Rights Activ New Agency (HRANA), the news service of the organisation Human Rights Activs in Iran.Story continues below this ad
More than 10,681 individuals have also been transferred to prisons following arrest, the agency reported.
What Donald Trump said
US President Donald Trump said Iran has contacted the United States to seek negotiations. “Iran called, they want to negotiate,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, according to AP.
He said talks were being discussed but warned that action could come first. “The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options,” Trump said.
Trump said the US could respond if Iranian forces continue to use violence against protesters. Washington is weighing options that include new sanctions and possible military steps.Story continues below this ad
Protesters burn the Iranian national flag during a rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government in Paris. (Photo: AP)
How has Iran responded
Tehran has not publicly confirmed seeking talks with Washington. Iran’s parliamentary speaker warned that US and Israeli military and commercial sites would be targeted if the US intervenes, Reuters reported.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused the United States of fuelling the protests.
Protests and blackout
Despite the blackout, videos shared online show crowds gathering at night in Tehran, Mashhad and other cities.
AP reported that some footage may have been sent using satellite internet connections.Hospitals have been described witnesses as overwhelmed, with families afraid to identify victims.Story continues below this ad
Trump said a meeting with Iran is being explored, but developments inside Iran could force an earlier decision. The UN has called on Iranian authorities to use restraint and restore communications.
Global protests show solidarity with Iranian people
People worldwide are taking to the streets to support the Iranian people and condemn the government’s suppression of dissent. From Germany to the US, protests are happening in various cities, with demonstrators speaking out against the “mass killings” in Tehran.
📢🇮🇷🇺🇸 JUST NOW: U-Haul Truck with Anti-Regime Sign hits multiple Pahlavi Protestors in Los Angeles, CaliforniaBlack sign on the U-Haul: “NO SHAH. NO REGIME. USA: DON’T REPEAT 1955. NO MULLAH.”The Yellow torn sign: “Bushehr to Kermanshah”, provinces in IranThis is Very ODD pic.twitter.com/SK7rG1k9Ko— Ryan Rozbiani (@RyanRozbiani) January 12, 2026
In Los Angeles, a protest supporting Iranians turned chaotic when a U-Haul truck drove into the crowd, prompting protesters to surround the vehicle and clash with the driver. Police intervened, escorting the driver away, and reported one person was struck but not seriously injured
