Over 5,000 killed in Iran protests, activists say many more would have died during internet blackout

At least 5,002 people have been killed and over 26,800 detained in Iran's crackdown on protests, amid the country's most extensive internet blackout. Iranian authorities have restricted journalist access and labeled protesters as "rioters" influenced by the US and Israel, while state media showcased military strength. Rising US-Iran tensions include the deployment of an American carrier group and UK-Qatar jets to the Gulf, as some detainees face charges historically used to justify mass executions.