Death toll in Iran protests rises past 2,500, Trump pledges support amid regime backlash

Iran protests: Death toll tops 2,500 as Trump pledges support, Tehran blames US.

Tensions in Iran continue to escalate, with activists reporting that the death toll in nationwide protests has surpassed 2,500. US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to “keep protesting” and assured that “help is on its way,” while the Iranian government accused the United States of inciting violence.

Authorities in Iran have partially eased communication restrictions, allowing residents to make international calls for the first time in days. However, SMS services remain down, and internet users still cannot access sites outside the country, with access limited to government-approved platforms.

According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 2,571 people have been killed, including several young protesters. Iranian state media referred to “a lot of martyrs,” attributing the deaths to “armed and terrorist groups.”

Trump, in posts on Truth Social and interviews, condemned the killings and said all meetings with Iranian officials were cancelled until the violence stops. He warned of “strong action” if authorities proceed with executing protestors and urged the Iranian government to show humanity.

Tehran, meanwhile, has accused the US of attempting to destabilise the country. Iran’s UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said the US and Israel bear “direct and undeniable legal responsibility” for civilian deaths. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, called Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu the “main killers” of Iranian civilians.

The crackdown has drawn international condemnation. European countries, including Finland, the Netherlands, France, and Germany, have summoned Iranian ambassadors to protest the violence, arbitrary arrests, and internet restrictions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced new sanctions targeting Iranian officials, and the UK also plans further measures affecting finance, energy, and transport sectors.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called on Tehran to stop the use of force against peaceful protestors and to respect citizens’ right to demonstrate. He urged the Iranian government to address grievances instead of labeling dissent as terrorism.