This was reported by Reuters on Sunday, January 18, citing a representative of the Iranian government (on condition of anonymity). According to him, among the dead are about 500 members of security forces. The official put the responsibility for the deaths of Iranians on terrorists and armed rebels.
It should be noted that mass protests in Iran began in late December. According to the representative of the authorities, the largest number of deaths were recorded in the Kurdish areas in the north-west of the country. The demonstrators were allegedly supported and supplied by Israel and foreign armed groups.
At the same time, human rights organizations cite other assessments. The U.S.-based organization HRANA reported 3,308 deaths the day before, noting that another 4,382 deaths are being verified. More than 24,000 detentions have been confirmed, according to HRANA.
