The UN Security Council convened an urgent session to address the recent violent demonstrations in Iran following a plea from the United States. President Donald Trump’s stance on potential actions against Iran remains uncertain, despite his earlier warnings of intervention. Trump expressed relief over reports of a reprieve in the number of deaths resulting from Iran’s crackdown on protests.
Both Iran and its Western adversaries have labeled the ongoing unrest as the most severe since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian authorities shifted blame, alleging that foreign elements instigated the protests, morphing them into acts of terrorism against security forces and public assets.
The U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, reiterated America’s support for the Iranian people during the Security Council meeting, emphasizing President Trump’s readiness to explore all options to halt the violence. In response, Iran’s Deputy UN Ambassador denied seeking conflict escalation while accusing the U.S. of spreading misinformation.
Iran confirmed that a detained protester in Karaj would not face a death sentence, contrary to earlier reports of an impending execution. President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the government’s efforts to address economic grievances fueling the protests, pledging to combat corruption and stabilize currency rates.
In a bid to increase pressure on Tehran, the U.S. enforced sanctions on five Iranian officials allegedly involved in the crackdown, targeting financial transactions linked to Iranian leaders globally. The Group of Seven nations expressed readiness to impose further sanctions if Iran persists in its repressive actions.
Tensions escalated as Iran warned of retaliatory strikes against U.S. bases in the region, prompting the U.S. to reduce alert levels at its Qatar airbase. Amid the turmoil, exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi emerged as a prominent figure, advocating for an end to Iran’s current rule.
Reports revealed a decline in protest activities within Iran, attributed partly to a week-long internet blackout hindering information flow. As the situation unfolds, global entities monitor developments, with the Canadian government condemning the Iranian regime’s crackdown on protesters and advocating for human rights protection.