Iran launches inquiry commission after deadly nationwide protests

Friday 13 February 2026 - 10:00

By: Sahili Aya

Iran launches inquiry commission after deadly nationwide protests

Iranian authorities have announced the creation of a national inquiry commission following weeks of unrest that left thousands dead, according to official and independent sources. The decision comes more than a month after protests initially sparked by rising living costs evolved into broader demonstrations challenging the political establishment.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated that the commission includes representatives from several relevant institutions and is currently gathering documents and testimonies. She did not clarify whether the investigation would focus solely on the economic grievances that triggered the demonstrations or also examine the high number of casualties reported during the crackdown.

Conflicting death tolls

The wave of protests began in late December and intensified in early January before being forcefully contained. Official figures indicate that more than 3,000 people were killed. Authorities maintain that most of the victims were members of the security forces or civilians targeted by what they describe as “terrorist groups” allegedly backed by foreign actors.

However, overseas-based rights organizations dispute that narrative. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) claims that at least 7,000 people lost their lives during the unrest. Other advocacy groups have accused security forces of deliberately using excessive force against demonstrators.

Political and social tensions

President Massoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the gravity of the events, expressing regret over the violence and announcing the formation of investigative teams to determine the causes of the crisis. His remarks were published on the government’s official website.

The protests coincided with commemorations marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with large gatherings taking place in Tehran. Analysts say the unrest reflects deep-rooted economic pressures, including inflation and unemployment, as well as broader frustrations over governance and political freedoms.

While the establishment of a commission signals an official response, observers note that its credibility will depend on transparency and whether its findings are made public. The coming months are likely to test the government’s ability to address both economic hardship and demands for accountability.