Iran protest toll climbs to at least 5,000, official says
An unnamed regional Iranian official told Reuters that at least 5,000 people have been killed in protests across Iran, including about 500 security personnel, with some of the heaviest clashes in the Kurdish northwest. The official cautioned the final toll is not expected to rise sharply and accused Israel and armed groups abroad of backing protesters. HRANA says 3,308 dead with more than 24,000 arrests, while Hengaw notes Kurdish-majority areas bore the brunt of the fighting.