ISLAMABAD: Iran has released official figures indicating that over 3,100 individuals have perished in recent unrest across the country. Taheri, Iran’s Cultural Attaché and Director General of Khana-e-Farhang, stated during a press conference in Rawalpindi that 3,170 people lost their lives, with more than 2,400 being civilians and security personnel, while approximately 690 were killed in counter-operations.
The violence escalated rapidly within the span of 48 hours, resulting in significant destruction across the nation. Approximately 750 banks, around 750 police stations, and more than 400 government buildings were set ablaze nationwide. Additionally, schools, mosques, churches, and ambulances were targeted with over 200 schools, about 350 mosques, two churches, and 305 ambulances being damaged. Iranian authorities also reported that 800 private vehicles and 700 shops were destroyed.
Furthermore, the destruction extended to 600 ATMs, 253 bus stops, 120 Basij centers, and 24 fuel stations which were torched. Taheri maintained that these actions were part of a premeditated plan aimed at spreading fear and destabilizing the regime by forcing a change in governance.
The Iranian authorities assert that those involved had connections with Israeli officials. Moreover, Taheri emphasized that the scale of damage contradicted what he termed as Western media portrayals of the protests as peaceful.
Initially, protests remained largely peaceful for about a week and were recognized by the Iranian government as legitimate. However, these demonstrations turned violent after armed elements joined in, leading to violence against both civilians and law enforcement personnel.
In reference to US President Donald Trump’s Gaza Peace Board initiative, Taheri critiqued its effectiveness, labeling it as ineffective and symbolic. He further stated that any solution for Palestine should be based on the will of the Palestinian people alone, without external imposition.