Iran’s crackdown deepens as internet blackout obscures death toll

In Iran, anti-government protests that began over economic woes have intensified into a nationwide challenge to the regime. With an almost total internet blackout hindering reporting, verified counts vary widely—from CBS News’ report of 12,000–20,000 dead to other estimates around 2,000–3,000—raising the prospect of a scale not seen in the region in decades. Security forces have used deadly force, including snipers and machine-gunning, complicating efforts to document events. The regime’s grip appears at risk, and while some experts see conditions for potential regime change, a collapse is far from assured. The crisis has drawn international attention and even a public comment from Donald Trump, who urged Iranians to keep protesting and hinted at potential U.S. involvement.