New information suggests that the death toll from Iran’s recent crackdown on protests may be far higher than earlier estimates. Senior government-linked sources told Iran International that at least 12,000 people have been killed, making it the deadliest episode in Iran’s modern history.
Much of the violence reportedly occurred on January 8 and 9, when authorities enforced a near-total internet shutdown. During this period, security forces allegedly carried out mass killings while communication with the outside world was severely restricted.
Sources Say Deaths May Reach 20,000
As limited phone services slowly returned, more details began to surface. Two sources, including one inside Iran, told CBS News that at least 12,000 people had died, and the figure could be as high as 20,000.
These numbers suggest that the government response to more than two weeks of nationwide anti-government protests was far more brutal than activists outside Iran had previously reported.
UK Raises Alarm Over Rising Casualties
Concerns also reached the UK Parliament. Britain’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the death toll was likely much higher than initial estimates.
The UK government believed there “may have been 2,000 people killed, there have been more. My fear is that the number may prove to be significantly higher.”
Internet Blackout Obscures True Scale
Confirming the full extent of the deaths has been extremely difficult. Iran’s leadership cut off internet access and phone services across the country for five days.
Although the internet shutdown continued into its fifth day, some Iranians managed to make outgoing international calls on Tuesday. However, incoming calls into Iran were still blocked, limiting independent verification.
Activists Rely on Medical Sources
A source inside Iran told CBS News that activist groups were collecting data from medical officials across the country. Based on these accounts, they believe at least 12,000 people have died, with the possibility that the number is closer to 20,000.
The same source said security forces were visiting private hospitals in Tehran. They allegedly threatened hospital staff and demanded the names and addresses of patients treated for protest-related injuries.
Conflicting Figures and Official Silence
Iran International reported that its findings also pointed to around 12,000 deaths. Meanwhile, a Washington-based source with contacts in Iran told CBS News that a credible estimate placed the toll between 10,000 and 12,000.
Iranian authorities have not released regular or transparent casualty figures. Reuters quoted an unnamed Iranian official claiming that about 2,000 people had died since protests began on December 28.
The official blamed the violence on foreign-backed “terrorists” and alleged that agitators were paid to incite unrest.
Mortuary Video Shows Shocking Scenes
A video verified by CBS News offered a disturbing glimpse into the aftermath. The footage, posted online on Tuesday, shows at least 366 bodies, and likely more than 400, piled inside a mortuary in a suburb of Tehran.
The video appears to show forensic staff recording injuries while families try to identify the dead. Visible wounds include gunshot injuries, shotgun “birdshot” wounds, deep cuts, and other severe trauma.
Activist Smuggles Footage During Blackout
The 16-minute video was first shared by an Iranian activist and blogger known as Vahid Online. He said the footage was sent by a source who travelled nearly 600 miles to upload it during the communications blackout.
The graphic scenes also show blood-stained clothing and bodies bearing clear signs of bullet and shotgun pellet injuries within the mortuary compound.