Iran Publishes Names of Protest Victims as Official and Independent Accounts Present Divergent Casualty Figures
Iranian authorities have officially released a list of names and identifying details of individuals who were killed in the January 2026 protests.
Iranian authorities have officially released a list of names and identifying details of individuals who were killed in the January 2026 protests, marking the first large-scale public disclosure of victim identities by the government since the unrest.
According to a statement issued by the office of President Masoud Pezeshkian, the list includes 2,986 individuals, while the total number of deaths has been set at 3,117. Officials explained that the remaining 131 cases involve unidentified bodies or discrepancies related to civil registry records. The presidency described the publication as part of an effort to provide clarification and stated that all victims are regarded as citizens deserving recognition and dignity. Authorities also announced plans to launch an online platform within 48 hours allowing families to submit additional information for review and verification.
The release of the list has prompted varied responses from civil society groups, medical professionals, and human rights organizations, with independent monitors noting that their own documentation efforts indicate higher casualty figures. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has reported that, as of mid-February, more than 6,700 deaths have been verified by the organization, with over 17,000 additional cases under ongoing review. Human rights organizations emphasize that differences in methodology, access to information, and verification standards contribute to the gap between official and independent figures.
Medical professionals have also highlighted the broader humanitarian impact of the protests. A group of Iranian ophthalmologists issued a public statement expressing concern over a “significant rise in severe eye injuries and cases of permanent blindness” among protesters. They attributed these injuries to the widespread use of pellet guns during crowd control operations and called for medical evaluations, independent investigations, and continued treatment and support for affected individuals.
Professional associations, including teachers’ unions, have published their own assessments of the protests’ impact on specific groups. The Teachers’ Syndicate Association reported that more than 150 children and adolescents under the age of 18, as well as over 10 teachers, were killed during the unrest, based on their internal monitoring and field reports. They called for the release of detained students and educators and for greater transparency regarding casualties.
The publication of the victim list coincided with public debate following the suspension of a television program aired on the state-run Ofogh network, after remarks made during the broadcast were widely criticized as inappropriate in reference to the deceased. The program was halted, and the network’s director was removed. Commentary on the incident appeared across a range of Iranian media outlets, including conservative publications, which emphasized respect for all victims regardless of political classification.
Senior government officials have continued to defend the official casualty figures. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that the government’s total death count remains 3,117, describing higher estimates circulating in international media as unsubstantiated. He stated that any revisions to the official figure would require documented evidence.
Journalistic investigations and testimonies from families have drawn attention to challenges faced by relatives seeking information about missing or deceased loved ones, including delays in body identification and communication restrictions. Observers note that internet disruptions and limits on independent reporting during the unrest have made comprehensive casualty verification difficult.
The publication of the names of those killed has received extensive coverage in Iranian newspapers, some of which dedicated entire front pages to the list. While reactions vary, the disclosure has contributed to a broader public discussion about the human cost of the January protests and the importance of accurate documentation. Analysts note that continued clarification and transparent review processes will be central to reconciling official records with independent findings over time.
The unrest in Iran was driven primarily by persistent inflation and the significant devaluation of the Iranian rial, which has substantially eroded purchasing power. Over time, the national currency has come to be widely perceived as nearly valueless. Since 1979, following the seizure of the United States Embassy in Tehran, the United States has imposed extensive restrictions on economic and diplomatic engagement with Iran under multiple legal authorities.
The protests have since subsided, yet their most enduring consequence has been a high number of civilian casualties. Critics argue that Reza Pahlavi, the former crown prince of Iran, bears partial responsibility for the resulting loss of life due to his repeated calls for mass demonstrations and civil unrest. During this period, he also suggested that he would return to Iran and assume leadership, relying on state resources.
Reza Pahlavi has lived in exile for more than four decades and has not held an official governmental role during this time. He is financially supported by assets associated with the former royal family that were transferred out of Iran following the 1979 revolution. Public statements by U.S. political figures, including former President Donald Trump, have characterized him unfavorably.
From a foreign policy perspective, some contend that Reza Pahlavi’s activities complicate U.S. relations with Iran and undermine broader diplomatic objectives. On this basis, it has been argued that his continued residence in the United States warrants reassessment in light of potential implications for U.S. foreign policy interests.