Leaks From Within Iran Signal Cracks in Regime as Protest Death Toll Disputed

Fresh leaks from Iranian officials are fueling signs of growing dissent inside the Islamic Republic, as confidential accounts sharply contradict the regime’s public narrative about its crackdown on protesters. According to the Institute for the Study of War, multiple insiders say security forces were ordered by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to use live ammunition and “show no mercy” during demonstrations earlier this month.

While Iranian authorities told the UN that just over 3,000 people were killed, senior officials speaking anonymously to Western media estimate the death toll could be as high as 30,000 over two days. Human rights groups also allege families were pressured to falsely label slain relatives as members of the Basij militia, an accusation that further undermines official claims blaming foreign-backed groups for the violence.

The unrest has exposed deeper fractures within the regime, particularly over an ongoing nationwide internet shutdown. Competing statements from IRGC-linked media and government ministries highlight internal disagreement, as some warn restored access could reignite protests while others say the blackout is worsening economic and public anger. Reports that Iranian diplomats are quietly seeking asylum abroad add to the picture of a government facing rare and widening internal strain.