Tehran has demanded evidence to support claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that 32,000 people were killed during last month’s nationwide protests in Iran, escalating a war of words over the scale of the unrest and its violent suppression. The demand came as the threat of further regional instability looms, with Serbia advising its citizens to leave Iran immediately.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking on , accused “terrorists” of being responsible for the deaths and released a list of 3,117 individuals he described as “victims of recent terrorist operation.” This list, he stated, includes approximately 200 security personnel. Araghchi challenged anyone disputing the accuracy of the data to provide supporting evidence, reiterating previous assertions that 690 individuals on the list were “terrorists” funded and armed by the United States and Israel.
“If anyone disputes accuracy of our data, please share any evidence,” Araghchi wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. The statement followed President Trump’s assertion to reporters that 32,000 people had been killed during the protests, characterizing life in Iran under the theocratic establishment as “hell.”
The discrepancy between official Iranian figures and estimates from outside sources is fueling anguish among families seeking information about loved ones. UN experts have highlighted this gap, adding to international concerns about the handling of the protests and the subsequent crackdown.
Official Iranian figures currently place the death toll at over 3,000, a number that has already drawn skepticism from international observers. However, President Trump’s claim of 32,000 deaths represents a significant escalation in the reported figures and has prompted the demand for substantiation from Tehran.
The protests, which began peacefully over economic grievances, quickly turned violent, leading to widespread arrests and a harsh response from security forces. Iranian authorities maintain that the unrest was instigated by external forces, specifically the U.S. And Israel, accusing them of backing “rioting” and “terrorism.”
Amidst the escalating tensions, Araghchi is simultaneously engaged in diplomatic efforts with U.S. Media outlets to advocate for a “fair” agreement with Washington regarding Iran’s nuclear program. These talks come after resumed negotiations in Muscat, Oman, earlier this month and a subsequent round in Geneva, mediated by Oman. The renewed diplomacy is taking place against a backdrop of heightened regional instability.
The situation is further complicated by growing international concern over the potential for military conflict. Serbia’s call for its citizens to immediately leave Iran underscores the perceived increase in risk. This advisory suggests a belief within the Serbian government that the situation in Iran is deteriorating and could potentially spill over into a wider regional conflict.
The Iranian government’s narrative centers on the idea that the protests were a foreign-backed attempt to destabilize the country. Araghchi’s insistence on providing a list of victims, while simultaneously blaming “terrorists,” reinforces this message. The demand for evidence from President Trump can be interpreted as an attempt to discredit his claims and undermine international pressure on Tehran.
The differing accounts of the death toll highlight the challenges in obtaining accurate information from Iran. The government’s control over media and its restrictions on independent reporting make it difficult to verify claims from official sources. The lack of transparency has fueled distrust and contributed to the growing international concern.
The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation. The combination of domestic unrest, international pressure, and the threat of military intervention creates a complex and dangerous environment. The outcome of the nuclear negotiations and the ability of all parties to de-escalate tensions will be crucial in determining the future of Iran and the wider region.
