In a Fox News interview, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected media estimates that placed protest-related deaths in the thousands, saying the toll was in the hundreds and blaming an "Israeli plot" and external "terrorist cells" for much of the violence. He accused these actors of trying to inflate casualties to provoke U.S. intervention and denied plans to execute detained protesters. Independent eyewitness reports and outlets such as the New York Times, however, have accused Iranian security forces of firing on largely unarmed demonstrators, with some accounts of snipers. Araghchi said the situation is calm and that authorities are "in full control," while U.S. officials reportedly consider possible limited strikes.
Iranian Foreign Minister Rejects High Death Toll, Blames 'Israeli Plot' as U.S. Weighs Response
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (center) arrives at the government palace to meet Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, in Beirut on Jan. 9, 2026.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi disputed media estimates of mass fatalities during recent nationwide protests, telling Fox News that the actual death toll was in the hundreds rather than the thousands. He attributed much of the violence to what he called external "terrorist cells" and an "Israeli plot" aimed at inflating casualties to draw in U.S. intervention.
People gather during protest on Jan. 8, 2026, in Tehran, Iran.
Araghchi's Account and Allegations
"When terrorist elements led from outside, entered this, you know, protests and started to shoot... they came in, they used Daesh-style terrorist operations... they burned them alive, they beheaded them, and they started shooting at police officers and also to the people," Araghchi told host Brett Baier.
In the interview on Fox News' Special Report with Brett Baier, Araghchi said the attackers deliberately targeted civilians and security personnel "for one reason" — to provoke Washington by increasing the number of deaths. He cited comments by President Trump suggesting U.S. intervention if killings occurred as a motive for those he described as provocateurs.
Protestors burn images of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally held in Solidarity with Iran's Uprising, organised by The national Council of Resistance of Iran, on Whitehall in central London Jan. 11, 2026, to protest against the Iranian regime's crackdown on internet access and "recognise their right to self-defence against the regime's forces".
Contrasting Eyewitness Reports
Araghchi's account contrasts with reporting from international outlets, including the New York Times, and eyewitness testimony that allege Iranian security forces fired on largely unarmed demonstrators. Some reports describe the use of snipers and other lethal measures against protesters.
Government Response And International Stakes
During the interview Araghchi also denied that the government planned imminent public executions of detained protesters and sought to downplay the unrest, saying the situation had calmed and that authorities were "in full control." His remarks come as U.S. officials reportedly consider possible responses, including limited strikes, amid rising tensions over Iran's internal unrest and international reactions.
Context
Iran has experienced widespread protests since late December amid a deepening economic crisis and growing public discontent. Independent verification of casualty figures has been difficult because of restricted access and conflicting accounts from official and independent sources.
What to Watch
- Further independent reporting and casualty verification from humanitarian groups or international media.
- Statements or actions from the U.S. and regional actors regarding potential limited strikes or other interventions.
- Official responses from Israel and other parties referenced by Iranian authorities.
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