More than 2,000 people reported killed at Iran protests as Trump says 'help is on its way'

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) says it has confirmed the killing of 1,850 protesters over the past 17 days.

Sanitized article summary: BBC reports that more than 2,000 people have been killed during a violent crackdown by Iranian security forces on nationwide protests over the past 17 days, citing human rights groups (HRANA, IHR) and an unnamed Iranian official. Protests have spread to roughly 180 cities across all 31 provinces, sparked by the collapse of the Iranian currency and rising cost of living, and have broadened into demands for political change. Reports include at least 16,780 arrests, videos showing dozens to hundreds of bodies at Tehran's Kahrizak Forensic Centre, overwhelmed hospitals, and an internet blackout lasting over 120 hours (NetBlocks). Iranian authorities label some demonstrators 'terrorists' and prosecutors have rapidly issued death sentences for detainees; the judiciary warns of severe measures. International responses include US President Trump promising that "help is on its way," consideration of military, cyber and other options, UK summoning the Iranian ambassador, and UN human rights calls for restraint and restoration of communications. Sources include HRANA, IHR, Reuters, BBC reporting from verified videos and interviews, and statements from Iranian officials. Access inside Iran is limited, and death toll figures vary between groups (HRANA ~2,003 confirmed + reviewing further reports; IHR 734 confirmed).