Iran protests enter third week as deaths rise and US weighs response
In this frame grab from footage circulating on social media shows protesters dancing and cheering around a bonfire as they take to the streets despite an intensifying crackdown as the Islamic Republic remains cut off from the rest of the world, in Tehran, Iran. (Photo: AP)Iran Protests 2026 Live Updates: Iran has entered a third week of nationwide anti-government protests, with reports of violence continuing in several cities despite an intensifying security crackdown. Eyewitnesses and footage circulating on social media show demonstrators returning to the streets even as authorities maintain a near-total shutdown of internet and phone services, according to the Associated Press. The unrest has spread across all 31 provinces and marks the biggest wave of protests since 2022. Iran has not issued an official death toll.
Deaths and arrests: At least 538 people have been killed since the protests began, activs said on Sunday. The US-based Human Rights Activs News Agency (HRANA) said more than 10,600 people have been arrested over the past two weeks. Of those killed, 490 were protesters and 48 were members of the security forces, the group said. Reuters said the figures could not be independently verified.Story continues below this ad
US response and warnings from Iran: US President Donald Trump is considering a range of responses, two US officials told CNN, including military options, cyber operations, tougher sanctions and measures to help protesters stay online. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump is due to be briefed senior officials on Tuesday. Iran has warned against any US intervention. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said an attack would make US bases, ships and Israel “legitimate targets”, according to Reuters.
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