Jan 23, Kathmandu - The death toll in Iran's crackdown on anti-government protests has risen to at least 5,02.

US-based human rights activists say the real death toll is likely much higher due to a nationwide internet shutdown.

Iranian authorities have imposed a nationwide internet shutdown for the past two weeks, making it difficult to get a clear picture of the situation inside the country. The death toll includes 4,716 protesters, 203 government officials and 43 children. At least 40 civilians who were not involved in the protests have also been killed. Authorities have detained more than 26,800 protesters.

The Iranian government has officially acknowledged for the first time that only 3,117 people have died. State media has accused the protesters of being "rioters" incited by the US and Israel. But rights groups say Iran is facing its worst bloodbath since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Meanwhile, military tensions between the US and Iran have also reached a peak. US President Donald Trump has announced the dispatch of a large naval force 'armada' to the Middle East, issuing a strong warning about Iran's activities. The US Navy's aircraft carrier 'USS Abraham Lincoln' and other warships are currently deployed in the Indian Ocean region.

President Trump has called the killing of peaceful protesters and the preparation of mass executions a 'red line' and warned of strong military action if Iran makes a mistake. The international community is concerned after Iran's attorney general declared some of the arrested protesters 'enemies of God' and indicated that they could be executed. Trump has pressured Iran to negotiate and reach an agreement on its nuclear program, saying that otherwise it will face serious consequences.