Conflicts

Iran protests persist amid rising casualty claims and new US tariff threats

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Jan 13, 2026

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Anti-government demonstrations in Iran have entered a third week, spreading to nearly 200 cities following initial unrest over economic inflation and currency devaluation in late December. According to multiple sources, Iranian security forces have utilized tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds, while the government has implemented a nationwide internet shutdown that has lasted for several days.

Casualty figures remain disputed and have not been independently verified. A U.S.-based human rights monitoring group reported Monday that the death toll had reached 646, a figure that includes over 500 protesters and more than 100 security personnel. A separate rights organization based in Norway estimated that more than 600 people have been killed. Iranian state-aligned sources have reported that over 100 members of the security forces have died. Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the foreign minister, have described the unrest as a "terrorist war" conducted by "rioters" backed by foreign adversaries.

International pressure on Tehran is intensifying. U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday an immediate 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran. While the White House indicated that diplomatic solutions remain a priority, officials stated that military options are being considered. In response, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament vowed that Tehran would retaliate against U.S. forces and bases in the region if attacked.

Global reactions to the crackdown have been mixed. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the violence, arguing the Iranian leadership has lost legitimacy, while the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged authorities to restore internet access. Conversely, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that China opposes interference in other nations' internal affairs and warned against the use of tariffs.

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• Officials characterize the unrest as foreign-backed terrorism Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the foreign minister, have described the events not as protests, but as a "terrorist war." They assert that the participants are "rioters" who are being supported by foreign adversaries to destabilize the nation.

• Security forces report significant casualties within their ranks State-aligned sources in Iran report that over 100 members of the security forces have been killed during the unrest. This figure aligns with data from a U.S.-based monitoring group, which also noted more than 100 deaths among security personnel.

• Officials and allies oppose external interference and tariff threats A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry warned against the use of tariffs and stated that China opposes interference in the internal affairs of other nations. Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament vowed that Tehran would retaliate against U.S. forces and bases in the region if attacked.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• Consumers could face higher prices on imported goods following the announcement of an immediate 25% tariff on any country that continues to conduct business with Iran.

• U.S. service members and bases in the Middle East face specific threats of retaliation from Iranian officials if the administration acts on military options currently being considered.

• International trade relations may face instability as China has explicitly opposed the new U.S. tariff measures, creating potential economic friction with major global partners.

• Individuals attempting to contact associates or family members in Iran will experience continued communication blackouts due to a nationwide internet shutdown enforced by the government.

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