Hundreds of protesters and security officers dead as Iran steps up efforts to quell unrest

At least 192 protesters and 37 security forces have died in Iran since the start of the country’s largest protests in years, according to foreign-based groups. The unrest began on December 28, 2025. The demonstrations started as a response to soaring inflation, but have partly evolved into calls to overthrow the Islamic Republic. Some protesters are demanding the return of the monarchy. Iran’s government has accused the US and Israel of fuelling the protests. It has warned it will retaliate in the event of a US strike on Iran.