Iran Protest Death Toll Hits 538 Amid US‑Israel Threats

On January 11, 2026 the Human Rights Activists News Agency reported a death toll of 538 in Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests, including 490 protesters and 48 security personnel. Over 10,600 people were detained across the country. Parliament speaker Mohammad Baagher Qalibaf warned that U.S. military bases and Israel would become "legitimate targets" if the U.S. acted to protect demonstrators. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was monitoring developments and supported protests. President Donald Trump posted on social media that the U.S. would strike Iran if people were killed, prompting concerns of a wider conflict. Protests erupted in Tehran’s Punak quarter and Mashhad’s Imam Reza shrine area, while internet and phone services were cut.