Iran’s National Security Council Secretary Details “Coup Plot,” Casualties, and Infrastructure Damage
WANA (Jan 22) – Ali-Akbar Pour-Jamshidian, Secretary of the National Security Council (NSC), provided an exhaustive report on Wednesday evening, January 21, 2026, regarding the recent unrest. He explained the reasons behind the delay in releasing casualty figures and categorised the events as a shift from “protest” to “armed terrorism.”
Distinction Between Protest and Riot
Pour-Jamshidian emphasised that the administration and the Ministry of Interior maintain a strict distinction between “protest” and “rioting.”
Constitutional Right: He stated that the Islamic Republic recognises the right to protest as enshrined in the Constitution.
Legal Mechanisms: He noted that the Parliament (Majlis) is currently developing legal mechanisms for organised public protests.
Dedicated Venues: He highlighted that in the “14th Administration,” provinces like Khuzestan have designated halls where citizens can protest, and officials—including governors and directors—attend to respond directly to grievances.
Presidential Engagement: He mentioned that the President personally met with representatives of protesting guilds to follow up on their demands, and the Leadership has affirmed a willingness to speak with any protesters.
How Will Protest Gatherings Be Held in Iran?
WANA (Jan 20) – Under a new bill proposed by Iran’s Parliament, individuals seeking to organise protest gatherings can hold peaceful demonstrations by notifying the governorate of the subject and timing of the protest, and by doing so at locations designated by the governorate, within a clearly defined legal framework. Qassem Ravanbakhsh, a member […]
The Shift to “Terrorism” and the “13th Day of War”
The Secretary explained that while the period from late December to early January was “very calm” with police ensuring security, the situation changed on January 8th.
“The enemy mounted the wave of popular protests and turned it into a large-scale riot and terrorist actions. This was effectively a ’13th day of war’ following the enemy’s failure in a previous 12-day imposed conflict.”
Reasons for the Delay in Statistics
Responding to questions about the timing of the casualty announcement, he stated, “Unlike foreign networks that have no responsibility toward public opinion, we had to precisely investigate the cause of every death and identify which group each individual belonged to. Our protocol required a clear separation between ordinary citizens, police, Basij, and IRGC forces from the terrorists and rioters.”
Casualty Statistics and “ISIS-like” Crimes
The official confirmed the total death toll and provided specific details:
- Total Casualties: 3,117 individuals.
- Martyrs: 2,427, including over 200 members of the Police, Basij, and IRGC. He noted that members of the Army are also among the martyrs.
- Rioters/Terrorists: The remaining 690 individuals include terrorists and those who attacked military bases.
- Brutality: He compared the rioters’ actions to “New ISIS” or “New Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK),” claiming some officers were burned alive while rioters danced and cheered around them.
The Latest Death Toll of the Riots in Iran
WANA (Jan 22) – The Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs of Iran issued a formal statement, announcing that 2,427 citizens—comprising both security personnel and civilians—were “martyred” during recent terrorist and armed attacks, out of a total of 3,117 fatalities recorded during the unrest. “The treacherous hand of Iran’s enemies, acting through trained terrorist […]
Analysis of Weaponry and “Coup” Evidence
Pour-Jamshidian alleged that a “coup or pseudo-coup” had been planned:
Weapons: Most security forces were martyred by military-grade weapons, hunting rifles, and pellet guns. He noted that many civilians were shot at close range by rioters within the crowds to frame the state.
Self-Restraint: He emphasised that in the early hours, police did not even carry lethal firearms, using only anti-riot gear like tear gas.
Geographic Scope: Unrest occurred in over 400 cities and 4,000 locations, with Tehran seeing clashes in 100 spots simultaneously. He warned that if rioters had succeeded in seizing the hundreds of weapons stored in the attacked police stations, a “bloodbath” would have ensued.
Foreign Influence and the Condition of Detainees
The Secretary claimed that 90% of detainees were intoxicated or under the influence of psychedelic drugs. He stated that leaders were trained abroad by “Zionist regime agents” and that the operations were managed via social media from outside the country.
Clarification on “Body Release Fees”
Addressing rumours that the state charged 200 to 700 million Tomans (roughly $1.4k to $5k USD) to release bodies, he called these “rumors reminiscent of the Pahlavi era.”
Buses that were burned during Iran’s protests, in Tehran, Iran, January 21, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Burial Fees: He clarified that any small amounts paid were for burial plots in holy shrines, not for the release of the bodies. He confirmed that orders have been issued to refund these burial fees, especially for those declared martyrs.
Infrastructure Loss Report
The official listed extensive damage to public and private property:
- Vehicles: 305 ambulances and buses, 749 police vehicles, and 800 personal cars.
- Public Buildings: 750 banks, 600 ATMs, 414 government offices, and 200 schools.
- Religious/Cultural: 350 mosques, 89 seminaries, and one Armenian Christian church. Thousands of copies of the Quran were reportedly burned.
- Private Sector: 700 shops and 300 private residences.
Internet and Future Outlook
Regarding lifting the Internet restrictions in Iran, the Secretary stated that internet access is being restored with a “gentle slope” on a case-by-case basis. No specific timeline for a full return to normalcy was given, as it depends on the security situation.
He further announced that the families of the deceased are filing lawsuits against Donald Trump and Reza Pahlavi, Iran’s former shah’s son.
