Iran Protests Subside After 19 Days as Government Claims Situation Has Returned to Normal
Iran’s 19‑Day Protest: Faces Heavy Losses, 250 Mosques, 265 Schools and 4,700 Banks Damaged: After nearly three weeks of violent unrest, Iran’s authorities say protests across the country have largely subsided and order has been restored. Iran’s police chief stated on Friday that the situation had returned to normal nationwide following a widespread security crackdown.
The protests, which began on December 28 amid rising inflation and a deepening economic crisis, lasted 19 days and caused extensive loss of life and infrastructure damage. According to the U.S.-based human rights organization HRANA, at least 2,677 people were killed, including 2,478 protesters and 163 government personnel. These figures have not been independently verified.
The unrest left significant destruction across Iran. Officials reported damage to around 250 mosques and 20 religious centers in 30 provinces. In Tehran alone, hundreds of vehicles were burned, while 364 large shops and 419 smaller businesses were damaged. Financial institutions were particularly hard hit, with 317 bank branches destroyed, 4,700 banks partially damaged, and 1,400 ATMs vandalized, including 250 rendered inoperable.
Public services also suffered heavy losses. Authorities reported damage to 182 ambulances and fire department equipment, with total emergency-sector losses estimated at $5.3 million. The electricity sector sustained $6.6 million in damages. Educational and cultural institutions were also affected, including 265 schools, three major libraries, eight cultural and tourist sites, and four cinemas.
Iranian state media said further arrests were carried out on Friday, reinforcing claims that security forces have regained control. Local residents and rights groups reported a heavy security presence in major cities.
Nationwide Unrest Leaves 2,677 Dead and Thousands of Banks Damaged in Iran
International concern remains high. The United States has repeatedly warned it could take action if violence resumes, though President Donald Trump said this week that the decline in violence has reduced the likelihood of U.S. intervention. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have reportedly engaged in diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation.
The White House also stated that Iran has halted the execution of 800 detainees, with spokesperson Caroline Leavitt warning of “dire consequences” if bloodshed continues and confirming that “all options remain on the table.”
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin held separate phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pajeshkian. Putin offered to mediate, while Pajeshkian accused the United States and Israel of fueling the unrest, according to Iranian media.
Despite the current calm, analysts warn that Iran’s underlying economic pressures and political tensions remain unresolved, raising concerns about potential future instability.
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