Iran's crackdown on nationwide protests killed more than 6,000, activists say

A U.S.-based activist group reported at least 6,126 deaths and more than 41,800 arrests in Iran after nationwide protests, while Iranian officials give a lower figure and independent verification is limited.

Iran is experiencing nationwide protests that began on Dec. 28 amid severe economic strain and a fall in the rial. A U.S.-based activist group reported at least 6,126 people killed during a government crackdown and said tens of thousands were arrested. Iran's government has published a lower death toll and has labelled many of the dead as "terrorists." Widespread internet blackouts have limited outside verification of events. Key reported details: - The Human Rights Activists News Agency reported 6,126 deaths and said it verifies each death through a network of activists inside Iran, listing at least 5,777 protesters, 214 government-affiliated forces, 86 children and 49 non-protesting civilians. - Iran's government reported a lower total of 3,117 deaths, saying 2,427 were civilians and security forces and classifying others as "terrorists." - Activists reported more than 41,800 arrests and noted that extended internet outages have disrupted independent reporting and contact with the country. - A U.S. aircraft carrier group arrived in the Middle East as the region saw statements from some Iran-backed militias indicating readiness to respond, while international verification of many reports remains limited. Summary: The activist-reported toll, if confirmed, would mark an unusually high number of deaths in recent unrest in Iran and follows a period of nationwide protests and heavy information restrictions. Official Iranian figures differ from activist counts, and independent confirmation has been constrained by internet blackouts. Undetermined at this time.