“`html
Tehran, January 16, 2026 – The death toll from protests sweeping across Iran has surpassed 2,000, activists reported Tuesday, as Iranians regained the ability to make international calls after authorities severed communications during a sweeping crackdown.
A rising Toll adn Renewed Communication
The escalating violence has resulted in a death toll exceeding that of any unrest in Iran in decades, echoing the turmoil of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
- The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported at least 2,003 deaths.
- Iranian state television acknowledged deaths,citing “gruesome injuries” as a reason for delayed reporting.
- US President Donald Trump urged Iranian protesters to “take over your institutions.”
- Witnesses in Tehran described a heavy security presence and a climate of fear.
- The internet remains largely restricted, hindering autonomous verification of the situation.
The number of fatalities has climbed to at least 2,003, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency.This figure dramatically exceeds the death tolls from previous periods of unrest in Iran and evokes memories of the chaos surrounding the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
What is driving the protests in Iran? The demonstrations, which began a little over two weeks ago, initially erupted in anger over Iran’s struggling economy but quickly broadened to challenge the country’s theocratic government, especially 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Images circulating Tuesday, obtained by the Associated Press, showed graffiti and chants in Tehran calling for Khamenei’s death – a possibly capital offense.
Official Acknowledgment and Rising Security Concerns
People – particularly young ones – are hopeless, but thay talk about continuing the protests.
Several Tehran residents were able to speak with the Associated Press by phone Tuesday. Attempts
