Nationwide protests in Iran have intensified, prompting a rare acknowledgment from Iranian state television of a high death toll, with one official citing "a lot of martyrs." This comes as U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports that the death toll has surpassed 2,000, including at least 1,850 protesters. Other sources, like Iran International and CBS, have even reported figures as high as 12,000 to 20,000. The protests, which began over economic grievances like currency collapse and inflation, have evolved into a significant challenge to the country's theocratic system, drawing comparisons to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply escalated rhetoric, warning Iran that it "will pay a big price" for the "senseless killing of protestors" and urging Iranian patriots to "KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!" Trump also stated he has canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the killings cease, while keeping his promise of "help is on its way" vague. When pressed for details, he indicated reporters would have to "figure that one out." The Iranian government has implemented severe internet blackouts and communication cuts, making it difficult to ascertain the full scale of the crackdown and the protests. The international community, including European countries, has expressed strong condemnation and concern over the violence and human rights situation in Iran.