Iran protests: Over 2,500 killed, Trump says “help on its way” as regime blames US

Iran protests: Death toll tops 2,500 as Trump pledges support; Tehran blames US

Violence in Iran continues to escalate, with activists reporting that more than 2,500 people have been killed in nationwide protests. US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to “keep protesting” and said “help is on its way,” while Tehran accused the United States of inciting unrest.

The Iranian government partially lifted communication restrictions, allowing outbound calls, though inbound calls, SMS messaging, and internet access remain largely blocked. Only government-approved sites are accessible within the country.

According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 2,571 people have died so far. Iranian state media described the casualties as “martyrs” and blamed “armed and terrorist groups” for the unrest.

Trump condemned the killings, called on Iranians to document abusers, and warned that the US would take “strong action” if authorities execute protestors. He also suspended all meetings with Iranian officials until the violence stops.

Tehran has accused the US of seeking to destabilise the country. Iran’s UN ambassador claimed that the US and Israel are responsible for civilian deaths, while a senior Iranian official named Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as the “main killers” of Iranians.

The crackdown has drawn global condemnation. European nations, including France, Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands, summoned Iranian ambassadors to protest the violence, arrests, and internet shutdowns. The EU and UK also announced targeted sanctions on Iranian officials and key sectors.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called on Iran to stop targeting peaceful demonstrators and respect citizens’ right to protest, emphasizing that grievances must be addressed rather than suppressed.