IRAN – The death toll in ongoing Iran protests which have run for 12 days straight had risen to 42 as of Wednesday Jan. 7, according to an American based, Iran-focused, human rights group’s news agency – HRANA.

Among the dead include 29 adult civilians, 8 security personnel and 5 children under the age of 18.

The news agency said the protests took place in all 31 provinces.

Demonstrations also left dozens injured and 2,217 detained.

The injuries were largely caused by pellet shots and plastic bullets, according to the report.

Authorities have not issued a statement regarding those killed or injured.

In major cities like Tehran, as well as Mashhad and Shiraz, widespread involvement was seen for the first time.

Low-intensity protests also began in Turkish-majority provinces such as Tabriz and Ardabil.

What’s Really Happening?

With protests in Iran on their 12th day Thursday, the public also faced a cutoff of both the internet and phone service.

In the evening, large-scale protests began across all provinces, and the internet and phone service were also cut off, according to NetBlocks and media reports.

The current Iranian government began in 1979, when the late Shah was overthrown in a dramatic revolution.

Iran has been rocked by waves of protests since last month, starting on Dec. 28 at Tehran‘s Grand Bazaar, over the sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions.

Demonstrations later spread to several other cities across the country.

Clashes also started between the separatist terror group PJAK and Iranian security forces in Kurdish-majority regions of the country.

According to a statement, two Iranian soldiers lost their lives in the conflicts.

In another city, Qazvin, a security officer was lynched.

Are Iranian Authorities Killing Rioters?

For now, the police have not intervened forcefully. In fact, in some areas, the police are not even present.

No statement has been issued by the Iranian government or the judiciary.

An Iranian police officer was killed in clashes during protests near the capital Tehran, local media reported on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Tasnim news agency said the number of police officers injured during the protests rose to 568, while 66 members of the paramilitary Basij forces were also wounded.

Trump’s Threats

Donald Trump said on Thursday that the US will hit Iran “very hard” if it starts killing protesters.

“If they start killing people, which they tend to do during their riots, they have lots of riots. If they do it, we’re going to hit them very hard,” Trump said in an interview with the Hugh Hewitt Show.

“They’ve been told very strongly, even more strongly than I’m speaking to you right now, that if they do that, they’re going to have to pay hell,” he added.

Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance said the US supports peaceful protesters worldwide, including in Iran.

“We certainly stand by anybody who’s engaged in peaceful protests … who are advocating for their rights,” he told reporters at a news conference at the White House.

He stressed the importance of negotiations about Iran’s nuclear program, adding that the “smartest thing” for Tehran is “a real negotiation” with the US on its nuclear program.

Ayatollah Khamenei Warns Foreign Collaborators

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Friday warned protesters against “collaboration with foreigners,” condemning US President Donald Trump for exploiting public unrest.

“I cannot tolerate collaboration with foreigners,” Khamenei said in a public address. “If you are an agent collaborating with foreigners, you will be immediately rejected by the Iranian people and the Iranian regime.”

“His hands are tainted with the blood of the Iranians. And then he claims to be on the side of the Iranian people. He is irresponsible. He does not care about civilians,” he added, lambasting Trump.

“They, those protesters, could believe him. They burn waste bins just to please him.”