A new medical report alleges that Iran's ruling authorities have killed at least 16,500 protesters and wounded more than 300,000 others during three weeks of violent unrest, marking what could be the bloodiest crackdown in the country's recent history. The report, compiled by doctors inside Iran and seen by The Times, describes a dramatic escalation in the use of force, with many victims suffering gunshot and shrapnel wounds to the head, neck, and chest, consistent with military-grade weaponry. Most of the dead are reportedly young people, including students, athletes, and artists, with families searching for loved ones at morgues and hospitals.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly acknowledged that 'several thousands' have died, but he blamed foreign-backed agitators for the violence and accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the unrest. Official figures and independent estimates vary widely, and the true scale of casualties remains unconfirmed due to severe communication blackouts and government restrictions. The Iranian authorities have not responded to the latest claims, which, if verified, would represent one of the deadliest suppressions of civilian protest in modern times.