The new balance sheet of the protests in Iran, announced by human rights activists. More than 10,000 people were arrested / Key talk in Washington
Image from the protests in Tehran on Friday, January 9, 2026. Credit: VALIDATED UGC / AP / Profimedia
The death toll in the two weeks of protests in Iran has passed 500, according to the US-based news agency HRANA, which specializes in the country's human rights situation. As the protests in Iran continue, attention is also turning to the White House, where Donald Trump is to be briefed on his options.
The latest figures, based on figures provided by activists inside and outside Iran, show that 490 protesters and 48 security personnel have been killed. According to HRANA, more than 10,000 arrests have been made so far.
Reuters said it could not independently verify the toll, and Iranian authorities did not provide data.
The protests in Iran, which began on December 28 amid discontent over the poor economic situation, have turned into broader demonstrations against the theocratic regime in Tehran, which accuses the United States and Israel of “bringing terrorists” into the country and trying to “escalate” social tensions.
Iran's president accuses the US and Israel of “bringing terrorists into the country”. The call made to Iranians, after days of protests against the regime
Trump, briefed Tuesday on response options
The US president is to be briefed on Tuesday about specific response options for the protests in Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials, according to Iran International.
The expected meeting with senior administration officials will focus on possible next steps, including strengthening anti-government sources online, conducting cyber operations, introducing additional sanctions and military strikes, US officials also told the WSJ.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine are also expected to attend the meeting.
According to the WSJ, no final decision is expected from Trump at Tuesday's meeting, with talks still at an early stage.
