Iranian official says at least 5,000 killed in protests

An Iranian official has stated that at least 5,000 people were killed during recent anti-government protests that began over the country's collapsing economy. The government responded to the nationwide demonstrations with a deadly crackdown, which included a near-total internet shutdown and the use of live ammunition. While the official blamed the high death toll on "terrorists" supported by foreign powers, reports indicate the deadliest clashes were concentrated in Iran's Kurdish regions. Iran's Supreme Leader has accused the United States of fueling the unrest, which now appears to have been quelled as the internet blackout begins to ease.