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Iran Reports Damage and Casualty Figures From Recent Protests
Iran has released new figures detailing damage and casualties from recent nationwide protests. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shared the information on social media in response to comments by US Vice President JD Vance about handling unrest.
Araghchi described the protests as a “terrorist operation” and said the unrest caused heavy damage to public and private property. According to the figures, authorities recorded damage to 305 ambulances and buses, 24 gas stations, 700 convenience stores, 300 homes, 750 banks, 414 government buildings, 749 police stations, 120 Basij centers, 200 schools, 350 mosques, 15 libraries and two Armenian churches.
He also said the protests damaged 253 bus stations, 600 ATMs and 800 private vehicles.
Araghchi stated that 3,117 people were killed, including 2,427 civilians and members of the security forces. He said authorities identified 690 of the dead as “terrorists.”
The remarks followed Vance’s comments during protests in Minneapolis, where he said US policies toward violent unrest were clear. He warned that people who attack churches or assault federal officers would face prosecution.
Iranian officials said the unrest differs from peaceful demonstrations and alleged that armed groups targeted public facilities and security forces.
Rights groups have reported different casualty numbers. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said Thursday that the death toll reached 5,002. The group said 26,752 people had been arrested and 7,391 suffered serious injuries as of the 26th day of protests. Iranian authorities have not addressed those figures.
The unrest began on Dec. 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar amid a sharp drop in the value of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions. Demonstrations later spread to several cities. Iran has accused the US and Israel of backing violent actors involved in the clashes.
