An intense crackdown by Iranian security forces has temporarily quelled widespread protests that began in late December. Activists report more than 2,800 deaths as demonstrators initially protested against soaring inflation and the plummeting national currency. The unrest swiftly turned anti-government, prompting authorities to enforce internet blackouts, making information scarce.

Despite the blackout, reports reveal heavily armed security personnel enforcing a de facto curfew in Iran’s cities. Iranian activist Mehdi Yahyanejad, based in Washington, D.C., has been instrumental in providing Starlink terminals to citizen journalists to bypass government restrictions. "The crackdown has been so severe the protests have come to a halt," Yahyanejad told ABC News.

US President Trump has signalled that military action is less likely, resulting in a restrained response from the US. Yahyanejad noted that the crackdown has stifled protests but mentioned underground dissent remains. Demonstrators occasionally chant anti-regime slogans from windows, though they quickly disperse upon the arrival of security forces.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports approximately 22,000 arrests since protests started, with accounts suggesting continued death toll increases. Iran has not officially confirmed these figures, but Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged thousands of casualties. Iranian authorities label many dead as "martyrs" attacked by what they claim are "terrorists" and "mercenary agents of Israel and the U.S."

Concerns grow over the safety of detained and injured protesters. Yahyanejad mentioned risks for the wounded, who fear visiting medical facilities due to security officers’ presence. There are allegations of brutal treatment, with videos suggesting wounded protesters were executed.

President Trump claimed that Iranian leadership cancelled over 800 scheduled hangings, a move he praised. However, Iran's judiciary had earlier hinted at expedited trials and executions. Hospitals in Iran face raids by security forces, taking injured protesters into custody. Toronto-based doctor Yasser Ghorashi reported that this matches videos confirmed by ABC News.

Key Takeaways

• Over 2,800 people have died amid widespread protests in Iran.

• Internet blackouts hinder information flow, but unrest continues.

• US military response remains unlikely, adding uncertainty to future protests.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from ABC News 2026-01-19

 

 

If Trump says he's got your back .....................

8 minutes ago, Jim Blue said:

If Trump says he's got your back .....................

Its all about Trump

9 minutes ago, Jim Blue said:

If Trump says he's got your back .....................

He done more harm than good with his faux threats of declaring war against Iran. Protesters now said that they were betrayed by Trump.

1 hour ago, Eric Loh said:

He done more harm than good with his faux threats of declaring war against Iran. Protesters now said that they were betrayed by Trump.

They were. Trump not only dithered, here, but did so back in June when he failed to take out Khamenei and the entire top echelon of the Revolutionary Guard. Trump pulled back then, because he was chasing international peace prizes and posing as the president of peace. He created a fiasco simply to try and get a peace trophy.

8 hours ago, John Drake said:

They were. Trump not only dithered, here, but did so back in June when he failed to take out Khamenei and the entire top echelon of the Revolutionary Guard. Trump pulled back then, because he was chasing international peace prizes and posing as the president of peace. He created a fiasco simply to try and get a peace trophy.

It's the "Revolutionary Guard" that rules the country. They also have massive economical interests. They are able to "self finance". A state within a state. They will hold on to the last before they will give up their privileges.

Typical TACO, very similar to jan 6. Protest and if they kill you I will take very drastic action against your leaders. Many deaths reported but TACO says oh no not regime they died because they stampede. After undeniable proof of protesters deaths, oh no I have spoken with them and they will stop murdering you.

TACO is great at inciting and inflaming .

Apparently most of them are rioters paid by cia/mossad to create chaos including deaths so that USA is dragged into it. The protesters were on the streets for two days only then the mercenaries took over being directed from outside the country. Once their communications were intercepted it all fell apart. Understandably they were punished.

On 1/19/2026 at 12:27 PM, Eric Loh said:

He done more harm than good with his faux threats of declaring war against Iran. Protesters now said that they were betrayed by Trump.

Now that they've lost. the blame game begins.

If they had prevailed, there wouldn't have been a word about Trump, the CIA, or Mossad.

Losers get nasty and let-the-cat-out-of-the-bag.

Not sure how protestors were guided by people outside the country, like the CIA and mossad when communication lines were down. Phone videos were not widely spread so no one really knows what went on.

11 hours ago, Purdey said:

Not sure how protestors were guided by people outside the country, like the CIA and mossad when communication lines were down. Phone videos were not widely spread so no one really knows what went on.

It's downright naive to think that the activities of foreign intelligence agencies would be seriously affected by a blackout of domestic communications in Iran or anywhere else.

whatever has happened, there is a distinct lack of lefty protesters sticking up for the iranians, why would that be?

7 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

whatever has happened, there is a district lack of lefty protesters sticking up for the iranians, why would that be?

distinct lack?

1 minute ago, couchpotato said:

distinct lack?

oh my god ! well spotted