Iran has deployed new techniques to swiftly and decisively crush nationwide protests, signaling a tactical shift by a regime that now views domestic dissent as an extension of the summer war with Israel.

The death toll over 16 days of mass anti-government protests in Iran reached 2,000 as of Monday, according to data published by the the U.S.-based HRANA.

A source inside Iran who was able to call out told CBS News on Tuesday that activist groups working to compile a full death toll from the protests, based on reports from medical officials across the country, believed the toll was at least 12,000, and possibly as high as 20,000.

Iran's government imposes five-day internet blackout as nationwide protests intensify, with at least 646 people killed and over 10,000 arrested during the crackdown.

Demonstrations that began as outrage over the economy are facing a brutal crackdown as President Trump weighs military action.

The protests in Iran could have a sweeping effect in a region already jolted by historic changes over the past year. Four CFR fellows assess how Israel, the Gulf States, Lebanon, and Turkey view the

Iranians could make phone calls abroad after a communications blackout during a crackdown on anti-regime protests, but internet and text messaging remain restricted.

The Iranian government has eased some restrictions on its people, allowing them to make phone calls abroad for the first time in days. But, curbs on internet and texting services were not lifted. Starlink,