Tehran: The death toll from protests in Iran has surpassed 2,000, marking a significant moment in the country's recent history. Iranian authorities have, for the first time, acknowledged this high number of fatalities, which includes security personnel, as the result of violent protests over the past two weeks. Officials have declared that the situation is now completely under control.

According to Thai News Agency, an Iranian official stated that the deaths include both protesters and security forces, attributing the fatalities to what they termed "terrorists." This admission comes amid a fierce crackdown on the nationwide unrest, which has posed a substantial challenge to Iran's religious leadership.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reinforced the narrative that the situation is under control, accusing Israel and the United States of instigating the violence. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated potential meetings with Iranian officials and contact with opposition figures. Trump also threatened military action in response to the crackdown on protesters and announced a 25% tariff on goods from countries conducting business with Iran.

The protests, driven by economic deterioration, represent the most significant domestic threat to Iran's leadership in recent years. This unrest follows increased international pressure due to attacks from Israel and the U.S., alongside rising dissatisfaction with the Revolutionary Guard Corps, an entity with extensive business interests in various sectors.

While the Iranian government has not officially responded to Trump's tariff announcement, China, a major importer of Iranian oil, has voiced criticism. Iran's other significant trading partners include Turkey, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and India, all of whom continue to engage economically despite existing U.S. sanctions.