The United States has declared it "stands ready to help" protesters in Iran, as the human cost of the ongoing nationwide unrest continues to climb dramatically. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, the number of people killed in the demonstrations has risen to at least 116, with approximately 2,600 individuals detained.
International Condemnation and Threats Escalate
Former US President Donald Trump voiced his support on his Truth Social platform, stating, "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!" His comments came a day after he warned the US would hit Tehran "very hard" if the government began killing protesters. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham added that the Iranian people's "long nightmare is soon coming to a close".
In a coordinated diplomatic move, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement on Friday urging Iranian authorities to show restraint. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper later praised the "courage" of those demonstrating in the face of violent repression.
Iran's Crackdown and Communication Blackout
As the protests, which began on 28 December over economic grievances, enter their third week and spread across all 31 Iranian provinces, officials have imposed a severe communications blackout. State media continues to blame "terrorist agents" from the US and Israel for the unrest.
Iranian authorities have escalated their rhetoric and legal threats against demonstrators. Prosecutor-General Mohammad Movahedi Azad reiterated that protesters could face charges of moharebeh—being "enemies of god"—a crime punishable by death. He stated this would apply to those damaging property or undermining security. This followed similar threats from Tehran prosecutor Ali Salehi, after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused protesters of acting on behalf of Mr Trump.
According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, 100 people were arrested in Baharestan county, Tehran Province, for allegedly disrupting public order and using weapons.
Protests Echo in London
Solidarity demonstrations have emerged globally, including outside the Iranian embassy in London. Social media footage showed a protester climbing onto the embassy balcony, removing the Iranian flag and replacing it with the pre-revolutionary imperial lion and sun flag, a symbol used by opposition groups.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they arrested two people at the scene—one for aggravated trespass and assault on an emergency worker, and another for aggravated trespass. A third person is being sought on suspicion of trespass, but police reported "no serious disorder".
The protests, which mark the most significant challenge to Iran's regime in years, show no signs of abating, with international pressure mounting on Tehran to de-escalate the situation.
