Iran admits to killing protesters

Security forces opened fire and killed “rioters,” Iranian state television said on Tuesday, in the first admission of violence since protests began last month. The fatalities included people who targeted military locations and took some areas hostage, along with bystanders, security forces, and peaceful protesters.

How significant is the admission? The report could be more of a scare tactic to discourage further protests rather than an admission of guilt. Iran still has not provided any nationwide statistics about the toll of the crackdown on demonstrations. The clashes began Nov. 15 after the government announced a 50 percent increase in gas prices. On Monday, Amnesty International said at least 208 people died in protests throughout the country, adding the actual number could be much higher. The highest death toll was in the city of Shahriar in Tehran province, according to the report.

Dig deeper: Read my report in World Tour on how Iran curbed the uprising with an internet blackout.