acknowledged on Tuesday that the Islamic Republic has lost “a large number of martyrs” amid ongoing anti-government protests spreading across the country, a report stated. 

This development occurs as at least 2,000 individuals have been killed in the demonstrations, per an activist group. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that 1,847 of those killed were protesters and 135 were members of Iran’s security forces. Other reports indicate the death toll exceeds 3,000, with the actual figure likely being even greater. 

A news anchor on Iranian state TV read a statement asserting that “armed and terrorist groups” led the country “to offer a large number of martyrs to God,” as reported by The Associated Press. Iranian state TV noted that officials will hold a funeral on Wednesday for the “martyrs and security defenders” who have died during the protests.

Iran’s regime has been attempting to suppress the protests, which began in late December when shopkeepers and bazaar merchants demonstrated against rising inflation and the collapse of the rial. The unrest quickly spread to universities and provincial cities, with young men clashing with security forces.

“The killing of peaceful demonstrators must cease, and labeling protesters as ‘terrorists’ to justify violence against them is unacceptable,” Volker Türk stated in a Tuesday statement. 

The U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran issued a warning earlier today advising American citizens still in the country to depart immediately.   

President later called on the people of Iran to “take over” the country’s institutions, stating he has with the Iranian regime until its crackdown on unrest concludes.

Trump made the announcement via social media, vowing that those responsible for killing anti-regime demonstrators will “face a significant price.” Iran had earlier claimed it was in communication with U.S. officials amid the protests. 

“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Record the names of the killers and abusers. They will face a significant price.”

“I have canceled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” he added. 

’ Anders Hagstrom, Efrat Lachter and