An unnamed Iranian regional official told Reuters that authorities have verified at least 5,000 fatalities in recent nationwide protests — making this the deadliest unrest in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. About 500 of the dead are security personnel, according to the same source. (Al-Monitor)$BTC
🔥 Government Narrative vs. Rights Groups
Tehran claims the majority of deaths came from clashes with “terrorists and armed rioters” and alleges that Israel and foreign actors supplied weapons and support to protestors — a charge rejected by rights groups and outside analysts. The official also suggested the final toll won’t rise sharply. (Al-Monitor)
In contrast, U.S.-based rights group HRANA reports 3,300+ confirmed deaths with 4,382 cases still under review and over 24,000 arrests — figures that humanitarian advocates warn are significant undercounts due to restricted access inside Iran. (Al-Monitor)
🌍 What’s Now Trending Around This Story
🔹 State TV Hacked in Solidarity with Protesters — Hackers interrupted Iranian state broadcasts with messages backing the protest movement, underscoring rising digital resistance. (AP News)
🔹 Internet Blackout Could Be Easing — Iran is considering lifting its sweeping internet blackout imposed during the crackdown, though connectivity would likely remain heavily filtered. (Reuters)$BNB
🔹 Exiled Figures Claim Momentum — Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, says Iranians want him to lead a broader movement — a claim that’s gaining traction internationally. (India Today)
🔹 Global Tensions Escalate — The U.S. has positioned naval assets nearer to the Middle East amid threats of conflict, and Iran has warned of harsh retaliation against any U.S. strike. (Investing.com)$XRP
📊 Why Analysts Are Paying Attention
This crisis is not just a domestic issue — outside powers like the U.S., Israel and Europe are watching closely, with discussions underway in capitals about sanctions, accountability mechanisms, and potential humanitarian interventions as rights groups call for independent investigations. (commonslibrary.parliament.uk)
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