More than 2,000 people have been killed during the violent crackdown by security forces on protests in Iran, a human rights group has said, as President Trump promised Iranians that help was 'on its way'.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that it had so far confirmed the killing of 1,850 protesters, 135 people affiliated with the government, nine uninvolved civilians, and nine children over the last 17 days despite an internet blackout.
Trump stated that Iranian authorities would 'pay a big price' for the killings and urged people to 'keep protesting'. He has been weighing military and other options in response to the crackdown, having already announced tariffs on any country trading with Iran.
The protests, which have reportedly spread to 180 cities and towns across all 31 provinces, were sparked by anger over the collapse of the Iranian currency and the soaring cost of living. They quickly widened into demands for political change, now presenting one of the most serious challenges to the clerical establishment since the 1979 Islamic revolution.
HRANA confirmed the killing of at least 2,003 people during the unrest, with the organization's deputy director suggesting that the number is likely conservative. Meanwhile, another group, Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR), reported at least 734 confirmed deaths among protesters.
President Trump expressed strong support for the Iranian protesters and indicated that the US would consider military options if Iran's authorities began executing protesters. The protests have become increasingly violent, with Iranian security forces responding with deadly force amid a near-total shutdown of communication services.
The Iranian government labeled protesters as 'terrorists', justifying its brutal crackdown. Millions of Iranians continue to demonstrate, despite the risks involved and growing death toll.
