"This cycle of violence cannot continue. The voices of the Iranian people and their demands for fairness, equality, and justice must be heard," United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said in a statement read by United Nations Human Rights Office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence today.

Asked about the death toll, Laurence cited UN sources in Iran, stating, "The number we are aware of is hundreds." Turk also voiced concern that thousands of arrested protesters could face the death penalty.

Reuters, meanwhile, quoted an unnamed Iranian official who stated that approximately 2,000 people have died since the protests erupted in late 12/2025.

Iran has not yet commented on these reports.

Protesters burn fires on a street in the capital Tehran, Iran, on 9/1. *Photo: AFP*

The protests began on 28/12/2025, sparked by merchants' dissatisfaction with Iran's economic situation and the depreciating rial. Iranian officials accused "terrorist agents" from Israel and the US of inciting the unrest. The US Department of State rejected these claims, asserting that Tehran was "distracting public opinion from internal issues."

Iranian state media reported that the escalating protests have resulted in the deaths of at least 109 security force members. Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA), a US-based monitoring group, estimated that more than 500 people, including protesters and security personnel, have died in the current wave of demonstrations.

US President Donald Trump has recently threatened to consider "military action" against Iran in support of the protesters.

"There are concerns that the protests are being turned into a political tool. No one should take advantage of such a situation," Laurence stated, referring to the possibility of US intervention.

By Huyen Le (Reuters)