After weeks of mass demonstrations, Iran is reeling from one of the deadliest government crackdowns in its history. In a rare speech on Saturday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei admitted that thousands of protesters have been killed, "some in an inhuman, savage manner", but he also blamed the US for their deaths.

Iranian soldier Javid Khales was reportedly sentenced to death for refusing orders to shoot protesters during nationwide unrest, a human rights group says.

The official told Reuters some of the heaviest clashes and highest number of deaths were in the Iranian Kurdish areas in northwest Iran.

A U.S.-based activist agency reports at least 3,919 deaths during recent protests in Iran. This figure surpasses previous estimates and highlights the severity of the crackdown.

Yorgos Lanthimos and Juliette Binoche are among more than 800 film figures who have signed a statement condemning the oppressive Iranian government.

The ayatollah claimed in a defiant address that "the Iranian nation has defeated America" as Trump appeared to partially back away from threats to intervene.

The widow of Iran's last shah has told AFP there is "no turning back" after a wave of protests against the country's clerical authorities, saying she is convinced the Iranian people will emerge victorious.

Israel warns Iran not to test its military readiness amid tensions over ballistic missiles and nuclear capabilities following summer 2025 operations.