Tehran: A US-based human rights group on Thursday reported that the death toll in Iran's protests has risen to 2,677. The ongoing protests, sparked by dissatisfaction with economic conditions, have also resulted in the detention of 19,097 individuals. According to Anadolu Agency, the Human Rights Activists News Agency stated that 2,677 individuals lost their lives during clashes that erupted amidst the protests. Iranian authorities have yet to release any official statements regarding the total number of casualties or injuries sustained during the unrest. The protests began on December 28 in Tehran, initiated by shopkeepers, merchants, and small business owners who staged strikes and demonstrations against soaring inflation, the collapsing rial, and worsening economic conditions. The demonstrations have since expanded to multiple cities, evolving into broader expressions of anti-government sentiment involving workers, students, and other groups. Iranian government officials have accused the US and Israel o f supporting what they have termed 'riots' and 'terrorism.'