In recent weeks, Iran has witnessed an unsettling increase in violence amid nationwide protests, with the government attributing the deaths of thousands to “terrorists.” As tensions escalate, the calls for international scrutiny grow louder, emphasizing the complexities surrounding human rights in the region. This situation not only highlights Iran’s internal struggles but also reflects the broader geopolitical dynamics influencing its narrative on national security and civil discontent.
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Tehran, Iran – The Iranian government has reiterated its position that “terrorists” are to blame for the deaths of thousands during last month’s protests, following statements from United States President Donald Trump and various human rights experts. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Saturday that the government has compiled a list comprising 3,117 individuals identified as “victims of recent terrorist operations,” which reportedly includes around 200 security personnel.
“If anyone disagrees with the accuracy of our data, please present evidence,” Araghchi commented on X, previously asserting that 690 individuals on the list were “terrorists” whom he claims are funded and armed by the US and Israel. His remarks come in the wake of President Trump’s controversial assertion that 32,000 people have been killed, describing the plight of the Iranian populace under the current theocratic regime as one of profound suffering.
The sentiment of impending conflict looms over Iran, with multiple nations, including Serbia, urging their citizens to exit the country. Meanwhile, the call for dialogue between Iran and the US concerning the nuclear program has been a focus of Araghchi’s engagements with various American media outlets.
Human rights concerns continue to mount, with Mai Sato, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, estimating that over 20,000 civilians may have lost their lives amid government crackdowns, although the veracity of such claims is hard to ascertain due to stringent internet filtering and a communications blackout that has persisted for weeks. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has documented more than 7,000 deaths and is investigating nearly 12,000 additional cases.
Sato was among 30 international experts who recently called for transparency regarding the fate of tens of thousands who have been arrested or forcibly disappeared in the aftermath of the protests. They urged Iranian authorities to stop executions and disclose vital information regarding the missing. The experts noted that “the majority of those detained or killed are ordinary citizens, including children, from diverse backgrounds and regions,” alongside various professionals such as lawyers, medical staff, media figures, and artists.
Amid rising tensions, Iranian state media have faced criticism for allegedly airing coerced confessions to bolster government narratives. Recently, the Mizan news agency exhibited footage of three individuals expressing remorse for allegedly igniting fires during the unrest.
As students returned to campuses across Iran, the atmosphere remained charged. At Tehran’s prestigious Sharif University, tensions flared between demonstrators and paramilitary groups affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who voiced support for the state.
On a community level, mourning rituals have evolved into acts of resistance, with families conducting their own commemorative events marking 40 days since loved ones perished in the protests. Such gatherings embody not only grief but also defiance, as participants commemorate lives lost against a backdrop of grief intertwined with cultural expressions, such as clapping and traditional drumming. Culture Minister Reza Salehi-Amiri recently announced that the upcoming Newroz ceremonies will focus on “unity and empathy,” aspiring to ease collective mourning for the victims.
Despite governmental attempts to portray a narrative of solace and healing, many families underline their resolve through acts of remembrance and defiance, asserting the identities and humanity of the deceased—such as Abolfazl MirAeez, a 33-year-old whose father reminded onlookers that his son was not a “rioter,” but rather a farmer’s child.
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