Nationwide protests in Iran, which erupted on December 28, 2025, primarily due to soaring inflation and a collapsing currency, appeared to largely abate by mid-January 2026, according to residents and various human rights organizations. The decrease in protest activity followed a severe and deadly crackdown by Iranian security forces. Credible reports from human rights groups highlight the scale of the government's response. Human Rights Watch indicated that Iran's security forces carried out "mass killings" of protesters, with thousands believed killed or injured since January 8, 2026. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a US-based group, reported at least 2,677 fatalities by January 16, 2026, including over 2,400 protesters. Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) provided an even higher figure, stating at least 3,428 protesters had been killed by January 14, 2026, with over 10,000 arrests made since the protests began. These groups documented severe violence, including gunshot wounds to the head and torso. The abatement of the protests was largely attributed to a highly restrictive security environment, heavy military and security deployments in cities, and widespread internet blackouts, which severely obstructed information flow from the country. Several residents in Tehran and other cities confirmed that streets were largely quiet, though surveillance drones were visible overhead. The international community reacted with alarm. The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting to discuss the situation, with calls from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for an end to violence and accountability for violations. The United States imposed sanctions on Iranian officials accused of orchestrating the crackdown and warned of "grave consequences" if the killings continued, while also signaling a potential de-escalation after reports of easing violence. US allies like Saudi Arabia and Qatar engaged in diplomacy to prevent a potential US strike, warning of wider regional impacts.