Tehran, Iran – Iran is witnessing an unprecedented escalation in popular protests that have been ongoing for more than two weeks. Human rights organizations have announced that the death toll has risen to at least 1,850 protesters. This comes amid a crackdown that the United Nations has described as “brutal.” The repression has included threats of the death penalty and a near-total internet and communications blackout across the country.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the number of victims has risen significantly compared to previous estimates. Some 16,784 people have also been arrested, though verifying the figures is difficult due to restrictions on communication. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that statements by some Iranian judicial officials regarding the execution of protesters are “deeply disturbing.” It called for an immediate end to the violence and for those responsible for the violations to be held accountable.
In the same vein, US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on countries that continue to trade with Iran. This move aims to increase pressure on Tehran, coinciding with his threat of potential military options “to support the protesters.” Trump confirmed that he and his national security team are considering several scenarios, ranging from diplomatic efforts and additional sanctions to limited military strikes.
On the European front, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the Iranian regime may be “in its final days or weeks.” He asserted that any regime that survives only through force has effectively reached its end. The Netherlands also summoned the Iranian ambassador to protest what it described as the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators.
In response, Tehran accused external parties, primarily the United States and Israel, of orchestrating the unrest. It affirmed its readiness to confront any potential military action, while maintaining the option of negotiations “on the basis of mutual respect.”
The situation in Iran remains volatile and could escalate further, given the ongoing protests, mounting international pressure, and the uncertainty surrounding the crisis’s trajectory in the coming days.
