Alpha News

Iran Confirms at Least 5,000 Deaths in Protests

Published January 18, 2026, 11:27

An Iranian official has stated that authorities have confirmed at least 5,000 deaths in protests across Iran, including 500 members of the security forces. The official blamed “terrorists and armed rioters” for the deaths of “innocent Iranians.” The clashes were particularly intense in the Kurdish regions of northwestern Iran, where protests have been more violent in previous periods of instability. The official estimated that the final death toll is not expected to increase dramatically and accused Israel and foreign armed forces of supporting and arming the protesters.