Former US President Donald Trump announced on January 14, 2026, that he had received assurances, though unverified by US sources, that the killing of protesters in Iran had stopped and there were no plans for large-scale executions. This statement comes amidst severe ongoing anti-government protests across Iran, which began in late December 2025, initially sparked by economic grievances and escalating into demands for fundamental change. In stark contrast to Trump's claims, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on January 14, 2026, that the government was in 'full control' following what he termed a 'terrorist operation,' denying any planned executions. However, multiple human rights organizations present a grim picture of the situation. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) reported on January 14-15, 2026, a staggering minimum of 3,428 protesters killed since the protests began on December 28, 2025. A significant portion of these deaths, at least 3,379, reportedly occurred in a concentrated period between January 8 and 12 alone, based on sources within Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education. UN human rights chief Volker Türk and other independent experts have expressed horror at the escalating violence and reports of hundreds killed and thousands arrested by security forces. Amnesty International, on January 15, 2026, also documented mass unlawful killings and an unprecedented loss of life, urging international action to end impunity. The Iranian authorities' imposition of a near-total internet blackout since January 8, 2026, has severely hampered independent monitoring and verification of casualty figures, raising further concerns about the scale of the crackdown.