Tensions in Iran continued to rise as activists reported that the death toll from nationwide protests has crossed 2,000. The situation has drawn strong reactions from the United States and several global powers.
US President Donald Trump warned the Iranian leadership over the killing of protestors and urged people to continue demonstrating. He also assured Iranians that “help was on its way”, even as diplomatic friction between the two countries worsened.
Iran Eases Some Restrictions But Internet Remains Blocked
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities eased certain communication restrictions. For the first time in days, people inside Iran were allowed to make international phone calls. However, people outside the country still could not call those inside Iran, The Associated Press reported, citing multiple statements.
At the same time, SMS text messaging remained suspended. Internet users inside Iran could not access foreign websites, though local connections to government-approved platforms continued to work.
Iran Protests: Death Toll Crosses 2,500
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said the death toll has risen to at least 2,571, according to The Associated Press. Iranian state television also acknowledged heavy casualties, saying the country had suffered “a lot of martyrs” during the unrest.
State TV quoted Ahmad Mousavi, head of the Martyrs Foundation, who blamed “armed and terrorist groups” for the deaths, saying they led the country to offer “a lot of martyrs to God.”
Trump Urges Protestors To Continue
US President Donald Trump publicly encouraged Iranians to continue protesting and called on them to take control of their institutions. He also said he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the killings stopped.
“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote on Truth Social.
Trump Calls On Tehran To Show Humanity
Trump said he was consulting his national security team to better understand the scale of the deaths. He described the killings as “significant” and said his administration would “act accordingly.”
He accused the Iranian government of “badly misbehaving” and urged it to “show humanity.” Trump added, “They've got a big problem. I hope they're not going to be killing people.”
Iran Accuses Trump Of Inciting Violence
On the other hand, Iran strongly rejected Trump’s comments and accused him of promoting instability and violence. Iran’s UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani wrote to the UN Security Council, saying, “The United States and the Israeli regime bear direct and undeniable legal responsibility for the resulting loss of innocent civilian lives, particularly among the youth.”
Trump Warns Of Strong Action
Trump later warned that the US would respond forcefully if Iranian authorities carry out executions of protestors. Speaking to CBS News, he said, “We will take very strong action if they do such a thing.”
He also said the ultimate goal was victory, adding, “I like winning.”
Iran Says US Seeking Military Pretext
In response, Iran accused Washington of trying to create an excuse for military intervention. Iran’s UN mission posted on X, “US fantasies and policy toward Iran are rooted in regime change, with sanctions, threats, engineered unrest, and chaos serving as the modus operandi to manufacture a pretext for military intervention,”
It added that Washington’s “playbook” would “fail again.”
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, directly blamed US and Israeli leaders for civilian deaths. Writing on X, he said, “We declare the names of the main killers of the people Iran: 1- Trump 2- Netanyahu.”
Iran Faces Growing Diplomatic Pressure
As protests continued, several countries summoned Iranian ambassadors. Finland’s foreign minister Elina Valtonen said Iran shut down the internet “to be able to kill and oppress in silence,” adding that this would “not be tolerated.”
The Netherlands, France, and Germany also summoned Iranian diplomats. French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the crackdown as “intolerable, unbearable, and inhumane.” Germany called on Iran to end violence against its people and respect their rights.
UK And EU Announce Sanctions
The United Kingdom and the European Union announced fresh sanctions against Iran. UK foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said the measures would target finance, energy, transport, and other key sectors.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also confirmed new sanctions on Iranian officials. She said, “The rising number of casualties in Iran is horrifying. I unequivocally condemn the excessive use of force and continued restriction of freedom.”
United Nations Calls For End To Violence
The United Nations urged Iranian authorities to stop using force against peaceful protestors. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker TĂĽrk cited reports of deaths and arrests and called for an immediate end to repression.
TĂĽrk also asked Iran to stop branding protestors as terrorists. He said Iranians have the right to protest peacefully and that their concerns must be addressed, not exploited by any side.