Iran is experiencing its most severe internal unrest in decades, with a staggering death toll exceeding 3,000 individuals, according to multiple human rights organizations. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) verified 3,090 deaths, including 2,885 protesters, as of January 17, 2026. Concurrently, Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) reported at least 3,428 protester fatalities by January 14, 2026, with 3,379 deaths registered between January 8 and 12 alone from sources within Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education. The protests erupted on December 28, 2025, initially fueled by economic hardship, but quickly escalated into widespread anti-government demonstrations demanding an end to clerical rule. The regime responded with a brutal crackdown, which residents indicate has largely quelled the demonstrations for now. The scale of the violence and fatalities surpasses previous major unrests, including the 2019 protests where hundreds died and the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests, solidifying its status as the deadliest period of unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. A significant internet blackout imposed by authorities severely hampered communication within the country and restricted the flow of information to the outside world. While Iranian officials have acknowledged a death toll of over 2,000, they attribute the deaths to "terrorists" and blame foreign elements, particularly the US and Israel, for instigating the unrest. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has taken steps to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian nationals, highlighting the international impact and concern over the situation.