Activists have reported that the death toll from Iran's severe crackdown on nationwide protests has now exceeded 7,000 individuals, with fears that many more fatalities remain unaccounted for. The latest figures, released on Thursday, 12 February 2026, indicate a staggering rise in casualties linked to the government's response to civil unrest.
Discrepancy in Reported Fatalities
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency provided the updated count, stating that at least 7,002 people have been killed. This organisation has a track record of accuracy in previous rounds of unrest in Iran, relying on a network of activists within the country to verify deaths through local sources and evidence.
Government Figures Under Scrutiny
In contrast, Iran's government has offered only one official death toll, released on 21 January, which claimed 3,117 fatalities. Historically, Iran's theocracy has been known to undercount or entirely omit reports of deaths during periods of civil disturbance, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
The Associated Press has noted its inability to independently verify the death toll due to significant obstacles. Authorities in Iran have disrupted internet access and blocked international calls, severely limiting the flow of information and hindering external assessments of the situation.
Challenges in Verification
This communication blackout complicates efforts to confirm the scale of the crackdown, as activists struggle to relay data amidst tightened controls. The reliance on activist networks highlights the critical role of grassroots reporting in documenting human rights abuses when official channels are opaque or uncooperative.
As the protests continue, the escalating death toll underscores the severe human cost of the unrest and the government's harsh measures. International observers are closely monitoring developments, calling for greater access and transparency to ensure accurate reporting and accountability for the violence.
