According to the organization Iran Human Rights (IHR), based in Norway, at least 648 protesters have been killed as a result of repression by Iranian security forces. The group warns that the actual number of victims may be significantly higher.
Western Condemnation
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "state violence" against Iranian protesters, noting that "respect for fundamental freedoms is a universal demand." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also expressed condemnation regarding the "unacceptable" violence from Iran, calling it a sign of weakness.
Germany continues to insist on including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the EU's list of anti-terrorism sanctions, stated a representative of the foreign ministry. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called for an end to the brutal repression and emphasized the need to respect human rights.
EU representative Anwar El-Anuni reported that the European Union is considering the possibility of imposing new sanctions in connection with the brutal suppression of protests.
The protests began on December 28 in Tehran after a sharp decline in the Iranian currency, the rial. They quickly spread across the country, and demonstrators began demanding a change of regime, marking one of the most serious challenges to the theocracy since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Some protesters shouted slogans against the authorities and burned images of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In response to the protests, the government organized nationwide rallies in support of the Islamic Republic. Thousands gathered in Revolution Square in Tehran, holding national flags and reciting prayers for the victims of the "unrest." The country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, called these events a "warning" to the U.S., pointing to the need to end American interference.
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the response to the protests as a "war against terrorists," emphasizing that Iran is waging a "war on four fronts." He added that Iran would not leave potential military actions by the U.S. unanswered.
Donald Trump, for his part, stated that countries cooperating with Iran would be required to pay a 25% tariff on all transactions with the United States. Trump also noted that his order is final and binding.
The Iranian authorities announced the confiscation of property from participants in the unrest and the necessity to pay compensation for damages caused. Iran also warned that its commercial shipping could become a legitimate target in the event of U.S. military intervention.
Speaker of Parliament Ghalibaf added that in the event of military actions by the U.S., the targets would not only be American military facilities but also Israel, emphasizing that any Iranian retaliatory actions would be considered legitimate self-defense.
