Thousands of people are feared dead following a violent crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran, as Iranians describe harrowing levels of death and destruction in their first communications with family abroad in days.
An Iranian security official informed news agency Reuters that the death toll could be around 2,000 people, including security personnel. One protester, Erfan Soltani, is reportedly facing execution as early as tomorrow, with a human rights group stating they “have never witnessed a case move so quickly.”
Demonstrations have persisted for weeks, with state media claiming that protests calmed last night. However, the BBC has received footage from individuals asserting that protests continued in various locations.
In response to the crackdown, US President Donald Trump announced that countries doing business with Iran will face a 25% tariff on trade with the US. His national security team is expected to convene later to discuss intervention options, with officials indicating that the president has been briefed on a range of military and covert actions that could be considered.
While some in Iran are now able to contact people outside the country, an ongoing internet blackout hampers efforts to verify information from within the nation.
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