Iran Exiles Express Fear as Protest Death Toll Mounts
Iranian exiles are worried about loved ones back home amid a crackdown on anti-government protests and a communications blackout. Some estimates put the death toll at around 2,000 people. The question now is whether US President Donald Trump will intervene as he has threatened to do.
Iranian Exiles Fearful Amid Violent Crackdown
REPORTER:
Nasim Alikhani is busy at her Brooklyn cafe, where she serves up specialties from her homeland. But she’s anxious.
Deadly protests against the government have rocked Iran over two weeks—and with the internet and phone lines shut down, there’s no way to check on relatives there.
I have been glued to social media, news from outside of Iran, all kinds of sources - but I haven't been able to reach any of my family members or friends, both in capital and I'm from Isfahan - so no, to this day, to this moment, I have no news.
Iranians like her are spread across the globe, looking for opportunity and freedom from the country’s theocratic government. And when it comes to how many are dead or hurt in the latest crackdown, they’re just as in the dark as the rest of the world.
In Barcelona, Iranian exiles Said and Guiti try to call family with no success.
For five days I’ve been trying to talk to my sister. I don’t know anything about her [situation].
These two have been in Spain for most of their lives. Said says he hopes to go home one day to a new Iran. But for now, the violence and the information blackout go on.
Some are trying to piece together what’s happened in Iran. Human rights groups with networks in the country are reaching different estimates. As of Wednesday, somewhere around 2,000 deaths is a common conclusion—though some estimates are much higher.
We have verified over 1,800, 1,850 to be exact, protesters killed. We have 779 additional cases under review.
One of the few who might know what’s next is US President Donald Trump. On social media, he said he’s canceled meetings with Iranian officials and told protesters that help is on the way. But when speaking to journalists, he hasn’t said what that might look like.
Donald Trump (PRESIDENT):
Well, you never know, do you? You never know. So far my track record has been excellent. But you never know.
Donald Trump (PRESIDENT):
Well, I can't tell you that, I know exactly what it would be. We have to make a decision. But I can't. Obviously, I can't be telling you.
For now, those watching Iran are left to speculate, and those who've left it behind are hoping their loved ones are spared from the bloodshed.
