At Least 1.5 Million Protesters Took to the Streets of Tehran on January 8, Sources Say

According to information shared with Iran International, intelligence cited by a European diplomat indicates that at least 1.5 million people took part in protests in Tehran on Thursday, January 8.

The diplomat stated that protest numbers were lower on Friday, January 9, due to the heavy presence of security forces across the city. In many cases, security forces reportedly opened fire as crowds began to gather, resulting in mass casualties.

Despite this, the source believes that up to 500,000 people were still present on the streets of Tehran on Friday.

Precise figures from other cities remain unclear, as foreign diplomatic missions are based exclusively in Tehran and lack direct access to events elsewhere in the country. However, intelligence assessments suggest that at least 5 million people nationwide participated in protests over the two days.

Based on a review of available sources and medical data, Iran International’s editorial board estimates that at least 12,000 people were killed during what it describes as the deadliest crackdown in Iran’s contemporary history, carried out largely over the nights of January 8 and 9.

“Hope Is Greater Than Fear”

Raha Rezaei, an Iranian living in Mannheim, says the current protests in Iran feel different from previous uprisings. “This time, people have hope,” she says.

Due to internet shutdowns, contact with her family in Iran is limited, causing deep concern. Still, Rezaei believes many Iranians have lost their fear and are taking to the streets because they feel they have nothing left to lose.

“This time, something will change,” she says.

Reports Suggest Tens of Thousands Killed During January Protests in Iran

According to information obtained by TIME, as many as 30,000 people may have been killed in the streets of Iran on January 8 and 9, based on statements from two senior officials within Iran’s Ministry of Health.

The officials stated that the scale of the killings carried out by Iranian security forces during those two days overwhelmed the state’s capacity to handle the dead. Body bag supplies were reportedly exhausted, and large semi-trailers were used in place of ambulances to transport bodies.

This internal death toll—never previously disclosed—far exceeds the official figure of 3,117 deaths, announced on January 21 by hardline authorities reporting directly to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Trump Warns Iran’s Supreme Leader Should Be “Very Worried”

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran’s supreme leader should be “very worried” as Washington and Tehran prepare for their first formal talks since the United States bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities last year.

Tensions have escalated sharply following a deadly crackdown by Iranian security forces on nationwide protests. In response, the U.S. deployed additional military forces to the region and warned of possible strikes.

Iran’s military has stated that any attack would be met with immediate retaliation against U.S. forces and assets in the region.

Trump made the remarks in an interview with NBC News, referring to Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei.