Reports emerging from Iran indicate that security forces have used lethal force against protesters across the country, resulting in at least 2,000 deaths over the past 48 hours, according to early estimates. The reported toll comes as authorities enforce a near-total internet shutdown, severely limiting the flow of information.
Informed sources told Iran International late Saturday that Iranian forces are firing on demonstrators nationwide as the crackdown intensifies. Visual evidence sent from Kahrizak, south of Tehran, shows several bodies placed in body bags. Eyewitnesses who shared the footage said dozens of bodies were visible at the site, with additional bodies reportedly moved to a nearby industrial shed.
Similar footage previously received from Fardis in Karaj, as well as from Alghadir Hospital in eastern Tehran, showed bodies lying on the ground, suggesting that the violence is occurring across multiple locations rather than being confined to isolated areas.
The nationwide internet blackout, which began on January 8, has made it extremely difficult to verify the full scope of the events. Despite these restrictions, the volume and consistency of reports reaching Iran International point to widespread use of lethal force to suppress the demonstrations.
According to the outlet, even conservative assessments indicate that at least 2,000 people have been killed during the last 48 hours.
Sources described particularly intense clashes in Fardis, Karaj, and parts of Tehran, while noting that comparable reports are also coming from other regions, including Iran’s western provinces of Ilam and Kermanshah.
Although access to information remains severely restricted, videos and messages continue to reach Iran International through limited means, including Starlink connections. These channels are primarily available in major cities and wealthier neighborhoods, leaving large parts of the country with little visibility. Journalists say, however, that credible signs point to ongoing mass protests nationwide.
Footage released Saturday night showed demonstrators in Tehran’s Poonak neighborhood setting fire to a branch of Bank Melli. Additional videos from Ahvaz in southwestern Iran showed protesters filling the streets while chanting “Long Live the Shah”.
Protests also extended beyond Iran’s borders. According to a BBC report, a protester climbed onto the balcony of the Iranian Embassy in western London during a demonstration outside the building. Two individuals were arrested at the scene, and police were searching for an additional suspect on suspicion of trespassing.
US Senator Lindsey Graham, who is considered close to US President Donald Trump, publicly voiced support for Iranian protesters.
“TO THE IRANIAN PEOPLE: your long nightmare is soon coming to a close,” Graham wrote in a social media post. “Your bravery and determination to end your oppression has been noticed by @POTUS and all who love freedom.”
He later added:”When President Trump says Make Iran Great Again, it means the protestors in Iran must prevail over the ayatollah. That is the clearest signal yet that he, President Trump understands Iran will never be great with the ayatollah and his henchmen in charge.
“To all who are sacrificing in Iran, God bless. Help is on the way.”
President Trump also addressed the situation on Truth Social, writing Saturday: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
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