Iran to publish names of those killed in protests amid conflicting death toll claims

Iran will publish the names of those killed in the country's recent protests, an official announced on Wednesday.

The announcement comes amid conflicting reports about the death toll from unrest that followed protests triggered by Iran’s worsening cost of living crisis and broader security tensions.

"By the president's order, the names and details of all victims of the recent tragic events will be published publicly," wrote the deputy for Communications and Information at the Presidential Office, Mehdi Tabatabaei, on X.

Tabatabaei added that a formal mechanism has been devised to verify reports, saying the publication of the names would serve as a "clear response to fabrications and data manipulation".

Last week, Iranian authorities said at least 3,117 people were killed during the unrest, describing 2,427 of the dead as "innocent citizens and law and order security personnel", and 619 others as "organised terrorist elements".

Tehran and state affiliated media have said many of those killed were bystanders or security personnel targeted by organised armed groups.

Iran has accused the United States and Israel of instigating the unrest and attacking security forces - accusations which Israeli media and officials have fuelled with statements about agents on the ground.

Iranian officials reject allegations that protesters were deliberately targeted, saying security forces acted to restore order and prevent armed violence.

Some foreign-based Iran-focused groups have published significantly higher death toll estimates, with figures reaching tens of thousands, claims Iranian authorities have dismissed as politically motivated and lacking verifiable evidence.

On Monday, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said it had documented at least 6,126 deaths and was investigating additional cases, though Iranian officials have questioned the methodology and sourcing behind such reports.

While protests have largely subsided, tensions between Iran and the United States remain high, with reports that US President Donald Trump is considering military action as part of efforts to pressure Tehran.

Unnamed sources cited by Reuters on Thursday said Trump wanted to create conditions for "regime change", with military strikes targeting institutions and figures in the government.

Regional powers, including Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, have been conducting talks as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran.