Iran protests: Regime officials admit to being at ‘war’ with the people and thousands of deaths

2026-01-26 - 22:09

As the courageous people of Iran continue their protests despite a brutal crackdown and an 18-day internet blackout, top regime officials are openly admitting that they are facing a “terrorist war” and a “coup.” In a shocking admission of the scale of the bloodshed, senior regime figures have cited death tolls in the thousands, confirming the intensity of the confrontation between the people and the repressive forces. Meanwhile, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) has released the names of 69 additional martyrs, bringing the confirmed number of those killed by the regime to 700. Roundup: 700 martyrs identified, regime admits to ‘coup,’ and intense clashes in Rasht On Monday, January 26, significant developments were reported regarding the uprising and the regime’s desperate reaction: New Martyrs Identified: The PMOI released the names of 69 more martyrs of the uprising, including six women and 10 children and adolescents. The total number of identified martyrs now stands at 700. Regime Admissions of “War”: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the regime’s Parliament, admitted that protests began simultaneously in almost all cities, describing the situation as a “terrorist war” and a defeat worse than previous military conflicts. Casualty Admissions: Ahmad Khatami, the Friday prayer leader in Tehran, described the events as a “coup” and stated that 2,427 people were killed. Similarly, Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Parliament’s Security Commission, admitted, “We suffered over 3,000 killed.” Rasht Uprising: Detailed reports from Rasht show days of intense clashes where rebellious youth disarmed a Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) member, established control over streets, and burned government symbols, including banks and MP offices. Qarchak Sniper Attacks: Reports confirm that regime forces used the “Centennial” high-rise building in Qarchak to shoot protesters. The building is owned by the corrupt Tajik brothers, affiliated with the regime. Internet Blackout: NetBlocks confirmed that the internet blackout in Iran has continued for its 18th day to obscure the deadly crackdown. PMOI releases names of 69 more martyrs, including 10 children The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) announced on Monday, January 26, the names of another 69 martyrs of the nationwide Iranian uprising following their verification and identification. Among these glorious martyrs are six women and 10 children and adolescents aged 12 to 17. To date, the PMOI has announced the names of 700 martyrs of the uprising, including 84 women and at least 40 children and adolescents. Among the newly identified victims are 12-year-old Amir Abbas Amini from Saveh, 17-year-old Bahar Shadmehri from Neyshabur, and 15-year-old Mohammad Hossein Parnoon from Khorramabad. The list also includes brave youths from Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, Rasht, and other cities who sacrificed their lives for freedom. Names of Martyrs of the Iranian People’s Nationwide Uprising Regime officials in panic: ‘This was a coup and a terrorist war’ As the uprising spreads, the regime’s top officials are no longer able to hide the magnitude of the crisis. In comments that betray deep fear, they have acknowledged that the protests are organized, armed, and widespread. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the regime’s Parliament, stated, “They started this crime simultaneously in almost all of our cities. In less than forty-eight hours, we suffered a defeat more disgraceful than the twelve-day military attack. This recent terrorist war... was truly a terrorist war.” Ahmad Khatami, Khamenei’s representative in Tehran, went further, calling the uprising a “coup.” In a staggering admission regarding the toll of the conflict, he stated, “What happened in these days was a coup. 2,427 people were killed.” He also listed the destruction of regime infrastructure, claiming 600 ATMs, 120 Basij centers, and 24 fuel stations were burned. He called for the “harshest punishment” and execution for the protest leaders, labeling them as “Mohareb” (waging war on God). Fierce clashes in Rasht: Rebellious youth disarm IRGC agent Reports from Rasht reveal a city in open revolt. The protests, which began on Sunday, December 28, with market strikes, quickly escalated into direct confrontations with the regime’s suppressive forces. January 8—Bushehr, southern Iran Newly obtained video shows the regime's security forces firing at protesters during the nationwide uprising.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/PzlNb0TG7U — People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 26, 2026 Wednesday, December 31: Protesters clashed with Special Units in the city center, confiscating and burning a unit motorcycle. Thursday, January 1: Demonstrations in Sabzeh Meydan turned violent as security forces opened fire on the people. Wednesday, January 7: In a courageous act of resistance, rebellious youth disarmed an IRGC member, confiscating his taser and pistol. Thursday, January 8: Protesters blocked streets with burning tires and set fire to the Governor’s office, a large police trailer, and the “Khojasteh” Basij base. They also attacked the office of a regime MP. Thursday Night to Friday: Regime snipers shot at people from rooftops and the Governor’s building using live ammunition. Despite the bloodshed, youth returned to the streets on Friday, chanting “Death to the Dictator.” Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the terrorist Qods Force, admitted to the scale of the damage in Rasht, reporting that “17 fire trucks, 11 government offices, and 16 bank branches were set on fire.” Sniper fire from ‘Centennial’ tower in Qarchak In Qarchak, Varamin, reports indicate that regime forces used the high-rise “Centennial” hall located at Khomeini Square (Kalantari) to shoot directly at protesters. Witnesses state that dozens were killed or wounded by fire coming from this building, which dominates the surrounding streets. The building belongs to the Tajik, who have amassed wealth through government rent-seeking and connections to power. One of the brothers, Hamidreza Tajik, is the former head of the Varamin Guilds Chamber. Massive financial damage and internet blackout The regime’s governor in Kermanshah admitted that public and government properties in the province suffered damages totaling 12 trillion rials. He confirmed that seven regime bank branches were completely destroyed, and 32 other banks suffered damages. Update: #Iran's internet blackout continues through its 18th day, obscuring the extent of a deadly crackdown on civilians. Meanwhile, gaps in the filternet are being tightened to limit circumvention while whitelisted regime accounts promote the Islamic Republic's narrative. pic.twitter.com/Jj76EGrkJz — NetBlocks (@netblocks) January 26, 2026 Meanwhile, NetBlocks reported that the internet blackout in Iran has continued for its 18th day, obscuring the extent of the deadly crackdown on civilians.