WANA (Jan 21) – Iran’s Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei has rejected figures circulated by foreign opponents regarding the number of people killed in recent unrest, saying they are unrealistic and far from the truth.

 

Speaking about recent developments in the country, Mohseni Ejei said hostile forces had believed during the “12-day war” that the Islamic Republic was nearing collapse, but instead suffered a major failure. He added that after this setback, the same forces pursued their objectives through the recent unrest, which he said was a continuation of that conflict.

 

He pointed to what he described as a notable rise in violence during the unrest, saying it was supported and logistically backed by Iran’s adversaries. According to Mohseni Ejei, the tactics used were intended to spread fear and resembled those employed by ISIS, but failed to achieve their goals. He said mass rallies held on January 12 demonstrated public resistance and brought the unrest to an end.

 

The judiciary chief also accused Iran’s enemies of launching an extensive psychological and media campaign following what he said was their defeat, including spreading rumours and distorting facts. He stressed that claims about the death toll were fabricated and said relevant authorities would publish accurate and documented figures.

 

Addressing the United States and its president, Mohseni Ejei said external pressure and media campaigns would not force Iranians to retreat from their beliefs. He said the Iranian people remain committed to their religious principles, loyal to the system, and strongly patriotic.

 

Emphasizing the need to strengthen national unity, he said all state institutions are responsible for expanding public services. He noted that judiciary staff in some departments worked around the clock during the unrest and said this approach would continue.

 

Mohseni Ejei also acknowledged the public’s legitimate expectations of officials, including within the judiciary, calling on authorities to respond promptly and respectfully and to handle judicial cases with accuracy and speed.

People attend the funeral of the security forces who were killed in the protests that erupted over the collapse of the currency’s value in Tehran, Iran, January 14, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)