At least 2,000 people have died in nationwide protests across Iran, according to statistics released Tuesday, January 13, 2026, by the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The monitoring group also reported that authorities have arrested more than 16,780 people since the unrest began.

The group shared these numbers as the Iranian government began restoring some phone service after a days-long blackout. While outgoing international calls were restored Tuesday, internet access and incoming calls remain mostly blocked. Residents are reportedly using Starlink satellite internet dishes to get around these restrictions and send videos of the crackdown to the outside world.

Government Response in Tehran

In central Tehran, security forces occupied major intersections Tuesday. Riot police and the Basij, a government-run volunteer militia, used batons and tear gas against protesters.

Iranian state media officially acknowledged a high death toll Tuesday. While state television referred to those who died as "martyrs," officials blamed "armed and terrorist groups" for the violence rather than security forces.

U.S. Tariffs and Evacuation Orders

On Monday, January 12, 2026, President Donald Trump announced a new 25% tariff—a tax on imported goods—on any nation that continues to trade with Iran. The tax will likely affect major trading partners like China, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India.

On Tuesday morning, the president posted a message on the Truth Social platform encouraging Iranian protesters to seize control of government buildings, stating that "help is on its way." The U.S. State Department also issued an immediate evacuation order for all American citizens currently in Iran.

How the Protests Have Changed

An economic collapse sparked the movement more than two weeks ago. This was driven by high inflation—the rising cost of daily goods—and a crash of the national currency, the Rial. According to HRANA, the protests have since spread to all 31 provinces (areas similar to states) and more than 600 locations.

The goals of the movement have shifted from economic concerns to direct opposition against the country's religious-led government and its 86-year-old Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Global Reactions and Negotiations

International talks with Iran have reached a standstill. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed he has been speaking with U.S. diplomat Steve Witkoff. However, Araghchi stated that the U.S. government's proposals and threats were not acceptable to Iran.

Pressure from other countries is also growing. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Tuesday he believes the Iranian government is in its final days and weeks. He also said the European Union is preparing a new round of economic penalties against the government.