An Iranian opposition group, the Popular Organization of Iran Mojahedin/Mojahedin-e-Khalq (PMOI/MEK), reported on Tuesday that over 3,000 people have died in the ongoing uprising against the Iranian regime, with casualties noted in 195 cities.
Former President Donald Trump encouraged Iranian “patriots” to stay strong, assuring them that “help is on the way.”
While the PMOI/MEK’s estimates exceed those from many others, it’s worth mentioning that Iranian officials have verified a maximum estimate of 2,000 deaths thus far. An unnamed official referred to those slain as “terrorists,” asserting that the figure includes security forces who died in urban conflicts.
Independent human rights organizations had estimated the death toll to be around 500 as of Monday, but disruptions in internet and mobile services have complicated efforts to determine the true figures, with officials suggesting that the actual number could be much higher.
The PMOI/MEK took issue with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s statement claiming the protests were “under control.” Instead, they argued that the regime’s threats and declarations of victory reflect desperation, and that the Iranian populace continues to seek the removal of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
On Monday night, the PMOI/MEK shared videos of large crowds protesting in Tehran, with security forces retreating while demonstrators shouted “disgrace!” A clear indication that the uprising is ongoing.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which describes itself as a democratically elected parliament in exile, mentioned that its “rebellious youths” are continuing to defy curfews and martial law, engaging in protests across various cities and clashing with security personnel, sometimes igniting government buildings, reportedly aided by “snipers on the rooftops of mosques and schools.”
“On Monday, the extent of the regime’s crimes against peaceful demonstrators became increasingly evident. In Tehran and Karaj, bodies of numerous martyrs were reportedly piled in the courtyards of forensic facilities, with authorities summoning families for identification. In Bandar Abbas, many bodies were relocated to warehouses under tight security,” the NCRI claimed.
NCRI President-Elect Maryam Rajavi condemned the regime’s actions as “grave crimes against humanity,” expressing her outrage at Iranian state television’s portrayal of the deaths, which attempted to blame the casualties on the protesters themselves.
“The bodies of Iranian freedom fighters have filled hospitals and morgues,” she asserted. “Khamenei and his violent supporters will drown in the blood they shed.”
The NCRI emphasized that the violent crackdown only fortified the resolve of the uprising, which has now lasted 16 days. “The regime has turned to the ultimate means: complete communication blackouts, mass killings, and threats of swift executions. However, despite 3,000 dead and 96 hours without internet, the streets remain filled with protesters.”
According to additional reports, some Iranian officials indicated that the PMOI/MEK’s estimated death toll of 3,000 seems plausible based on fragments of information that have made it through the government’s internet blackout.
Witnesses described government forces firing on unarmed protesters, allegedly employing automatic weapons indiscriminately. Hospital officials highlighted that many protesters arrived with gunshot wounds, indicating a “mass casualty situation.” Despite the communication restrictions, various images surfaced depicting rows of body bags, alongside striking footage of families grieving over lost loved ones.
Some of the latest reports from Iranian state media have shifted; rather than presenting the protesters as primarily responsible for deaths, they now depict the piles of bodies as warnings against continued protest. The rhetoric has evolved, suggesting that participants at these rallies may be implicated in inciting chaos.
In the face of the internet blackout, many Iranians still managed to relay information, corroborating claims from the PMOI/MEK that government snipers were indeed firing from rooftops, targeting civilian protesters. Local security forces have also reportedly used machine guns in various cities, resulting in high-casualty clashes.
On Tuesday, former President Trump again urged Iranians to persist in their protests against the regime’s oppression, pledging that “help is on the way.”
He stated: “Iranian patriots, keep protesting – take over our institutions!!! Name the murderers and abusers. They will pay a heavy price. I will cancel all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killings of protesters cease.”
