DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Activists reported that the death toll from the government crackdown during Iran’s nationwide protests last month has escalated to at least 7,002, with fears that even more fatalities remain unaccounted for.
The gradual increase in the death toll exacerbates rising tensions within Iran and internationally as the country engages in negotiations with the United States regarding its nuclear program. Discussions are currently uncertain, especially as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged U.S. President Donald Trump to amplify demands on Tehran during these negotiations.
“We haven’t reached any definitive conclusion besides my insistence on continuing negotiations with Iran to see if a deal can be made. If it can, I indicated to the Prime Minister that I would prefer that,” Trump shared on his TruthSocial platform.
“Previously, Iran concluded it was better not to reach an agreement, and they suffered consequences. … That approach did not serve them well. Hopefully, they will act more sensibly this time.”
Activists’ Death Toll Keeps Rising
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency provided these latest figures, having accurately reported deaths in previous instances of unrest in Iran. This count has been built upon a network of activist confirmations, albeit slowly, due to ongoing communication challenges within the Islamic Republic.
Iran’s government had only previously reported a toll of 3,117 deaths on January 21. Historically, the Iranian theocracy has either underreported or entirely omitted death counts in prior unrest.
Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts
On Wednesday, senior Iranian security official Ali Larijani met with Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Qatar, which houses a significant U.S. military base, has been a crucial player in previous negotiations, especially in light of recent U.S. military actions against Iranian interests.
Larijani remarked to Al Jazeera that while Iran did not receive any concrete proposals from the U.S. during discussions in Oman, there was an acknowledgment of various exchanges.
Concurrently, the U.S. has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other military assets to the Middle East, aiming to encourage Iran toward a favorable agreement while maintaining ample capability to take military action if Trump deems necessary.
Concerns for a Nobel Laureate
The Norwegian Nobel Committee expressed deep concern regarding reports of severe mistreatment of 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi. They highlighted allegations of abuse during her December arrest and ongoing health risks she faces in custody.
Despite her medical issues, Mohammadi has been sentenced to an additional seven years in prison. Supporters had forewarned of the risk of her imprisonment after she had previously been granted a medical leave in late 2024.
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Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Washington contributed to this report.
