Iran Protests Highlights: Around 2,000 killed so far; phone and internet services partially restored

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Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani on Tuesday expressed Doha’s support for “all efforts aiming to de-escalate and peaceful solutions” during a phone call with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani. Qatar’s foreign ministry said the two leaders discussed the latest regional developments, without directly referring to the ongoing protests that have rocked Iran.

The US State Department on Tuesday said more than 10,600 Iranians have been arrested by the Islamic Republic regime for demanding basic rights, warning that executions of protesters may be beginning. In a statement, it said 26-year-old Erfaneh Soltani, whose execution has been scheduled for January 14, was sentenced to death without any legal process, trial, or access to a defence lawyer. The State Department described Soltani as the first protester to be sentenced to execution, warning that she would not be the last and that a wave of executions has “officially begun,” urging the international community not to remain silent.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Iranians to continue protesting and said help was on the way, without elaborating on whether that implied possible US action. “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!… HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. He added that he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the “senseless killing” of protesters stopped. READ FULL STORY

Allaying fear and confusion prevailing among Indian exporters, the Centre has assured that the additional 25 per cent tariffs imposed by the United States on Iran’s major trade partners are expected to have a minimal impact, pointing to limited exposure and diversified trade linkages. READ FULL STORY

The European Union is discussing further sanctions against Iran, the bloc’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday in Berlin. “The EU already has sweeping sanctions in place on Iran, and we are discussing putting additional sanctions,” Kallas said.

The United Arab Emirates’ Minister of Foreign Trade, Thani Al Zeyoudi, said on Tuesday that it is unclear how US President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs on countries trading with Iran will be implemented and whether it will affect food imports. Trump said on Monday that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25% tariff on trade with the US, as Washington considers a response to Tehran’s crackdown on the country’s largest anti-government protests in years.

The European Union will “swiftly” propose additional sanctions on those responsible for repressing demonstrations in Iran, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday. “The rising number of casualties in Iran is horrifying. I unequivocally condemn the excessive use of force and continued restriction of freedom,” von der Leyen said on social media platform X. “Further sanctions on those responsible for the repression will be swiftly proposed,” she added.

India’s basmati rice exports to Iran have slowed to a near standstill amid protests gripping the Gulf country, with suppliers wary of fresh deals due to risks of non-payment and the threat of additional US tariffs, trade officials said. US President Donald Trump said on Monday that any country trading with Iran would face a 25% tariff on its commerce with the United States, a move exporters say has made Indian suppliers even more reluctant to sign new contracts with Iranian buyers. India is Iran’s largest rice supplier, with basmati accounting for nearly two-thirds of all Iranian imports from the country.

The United Nations human rights chief on Tuesday said he was “horrified” by mounting violence by Iran’s security forces against peaceful protesters, warning that the situation could not be allowed to continue. “This cycle of horrific violence cannot continue. The Iranian people and their demands for fairness, equality and justice must be heard,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said in a statement read out by UN rights office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence. Responding to questions on the scale of the killings, Laurence said that according to the United Nations’ own sources in Iran, the number of people killed runs into the hundreds.

Iranian official tells news agency Reuters that around 2,000 people have died in protests, including security forces, and blames “terrorists” for the fatalities.

Basmati rice prices have fallen sharply in domestic markets over the past week as escalating civil unrest in Iran has disrupted trade, delayed payments, and heightened risk perception among Indian exporters, the Indian Rice Exporters' Federation said. Referring to US President Donald Trump's recent remarks of a 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran, the federation noted that Indian rice exports to the US already face 50% duty. Over the past week, prices of most key basmati varieties fell by INR 5 per kilogram. The current rates of 1121 basmati are INR 80 per kg and 1121 Sella INR 75 a kg. Prices of varieties such as 1509, 1718, and 1401 declined by INR 5-INR 7 per kg from a week ago, the federation said in a release. Prices could fall further in the coming weeks amid persisting uncertainties.

The White House comments highlight Washington’s flexible posture as pressure mounts over Iran’s violent response to demonstrations. US officials have signalled a range of possible responses, from renewed diplomatic engagement to stronger actions, as protests persist and international concern grows over rising casualties and ongoing communication blackouts.

Leavitt said diplomacy remains the first option for Trump in dealing with Iran. However, she added that the president has shown he does not shy away from using military options when he believes it is appropriate. The remarks come amid heightened US military activity in the region and escalating rhetoric over Iran’s handling of the protests.

White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt said President Donald Trump is keeping all options on the table as unrest continues in Iran. Speaking on Tuesday, Leavitt said Trump’s approach prioritises diplomacy but does not rule out other measures, underscoring growing uncertainty over how Washington might respond to Tehran’s crackdown on nationwide protests.

The Associated Press said it received calls from multiple people in Tehran, though its bureau in Dubai was unable to call those numbers back. The partial restoration suggests Iranian authorities may be selectively easing restrictions, while still maintaining tight control over incoming communication and the overall flow of information from inside the country.

Mobile phones in Iran were able to place calls abroad on Tuesday, marking a limited easing of restrictions imposed during the nationwide protest crackdown. Several people in Tehran were able to call journalists at The Associated Press, indicating that outbound international calls had resumed after days of near-total communication isolation across the country.

The visible increase in US air activity near Iran has raised concerns about a possible escalation beyond the country’s borders. Analysts say the developments underline how Iran’s internal unrest is increasingly intersecting with regional security calculations, even as protests continue and the death toll inside the country keeps mounting.

Alongside the increased military activity, the US government has issued an emergency alert advising American citizens to leave Iran immediately. The warning cites rising security risks amid nationwide protests and escalating regional tensions, as Washington assesses potential responses to Tehran’s crackdown and its broader implications for regional stability.

Al Udeid Air Base, situated around 35 kilometres southwest of Doha, is one of the largest US military installations in the Middle East. It hosts more than 10,000 American troops and features a 4,500-metre runway capable of handling heavy bombers such as the B-52, as well as large transport and refuelling aircraft.

Israeli media reports said several US military aircraft, including KC-135 aerial refuelling tankers and B-52 strategic bombers, took off from Al Udeid Air Base on Sunday night. The movements have fuelled speculation about heightened military preparedness, even as US officials publicly stress that a range of options — including diplomacy — remain under consideration.

US fighter jets have increased activity at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, as tensions rise amid Iran’s ongoing unrest. The base is located roughly 200–300 kilometres from Iran’s border and hosts a major US military presence. The development comes as Washington closely monitors the situation in Iran and weighs its next steps amid deadly protests.

The Reuters report said Washington is assessing diplomatic options even as pressure builds following Iran’s deadly crackdown on protesters. Trump has warned of consequences if force continues to be used against demonstrators. Tehran, meanwhile, has said it is open to talks but remains prepared for confrontation, raising fears of further escalation alongside the unrest.

A spokesman for Vice President Vance rejected the Wall Street Journal report, saying it was not accurate. Vance’s communications director said the vice president and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were presenting a range of options to President Trump, spanning diplomatic engagement to potential military measures, without pushing any single approach.

Senior aides in US President Donald Trump’s administration, led by Vice President J.D. Vance, are urging Washington to prioritise diplomacy before considering military strikes on Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported. According to the report, the White House has been weighing an offer from Tehran to engage in talks, even as Trump has hinted at possible military action.

Iran’s state television broadcast footage showing dozens of body bags at the Tehran coroner’s office on Sunday. The broadcaster claimed the dead were victims of events caused by “armed terrorists”, echoing the government’s narrative that foreign-backed groups are responsible for violence during the protests rather than a crackdown by security forces.

Videos circulating on social media show bodies in body bags laid out on streets outside a morgue near Tehran, as loved ones gather to identify the dead. The footage, released on Sunday, shows grieving families outside the Kahrizak Forensic Medical Centre amid a wave of deadly anti-government demonstrations sweeping across the country.

Despite growing international scrutiny, Iran’s government has not provided official numbers for those killed during the protests. State media has largely focused on casualties among security forces, while officials continue to blame foreign-backed groups and “armed terrorists” for violence linked to the unrest. The lack of transparency has fuelled further anger among protesters and families of victims.

HRANA said it relies on a network of activists operating inside Iran who verify reported fatalities individually. The organisation has been regarded as reliable during previous waves of unrest. However, with communications blocked across much of Iran, international media including the Associated Press said it has been unable to independently confirm the death toll reported by the group.

The death toll from Iran’s nationwide protests has climbed to at least 646 people, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The group said the figure is expected to rise further as information continues to emerge despite severe restrictions. Iranian authorities have not released official casualty figures for the demonstrations that erupted across the country weeks ago.

Expanding on his appeal, Reza Pahlavi said Iranians do not need foreign military intervention or “boots on the ground”. Instead, he argued that firm political action and support from the US could save lives and accelerate regime change. He framed Trump’s backing of protesters as a potential turning point, saying it could shape a lasting legacy by bringing peace to Iran and the wider region.

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, has called on US President Donald Trump to take decisive action in support of protesters challenging Iran’s clerical leadership. In a post on X, Pahlavi said the regime was “weak and on its back legs” and argued that negotiations would not bring peace. He claimed international support could help Iranians end what he described as a “criminal regime”.

Alongside pre-revolutionary Iranian flags, Israeli and US flags were also visible at the London demonstration. One protester, Mohammed, said he supported Israel and the United States for opposing Iran’s leadership. Another demonstrator, Kaveh, said members of his family had been imprisoned and a friend killed, adding that many Iranians rejected the current political system and wanted fundamental change.

Several demonstrators outside the Iranian Embassy in London said they had fled Iran due to political repression. One protester, who concealed his identity, accused authorities of silencing dissent by shutting down the internet. “They shut down the internet so the news doesn’t spread,” he said, adding that exiles abroad were acting as the voice of those unable to speak freely inside the country.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Iranian Embassy in London, chanting slogans against Iran’s leadership and calling for the fall of the Islamic theocracy. Demonstrators waved flags of Iran’s former monarchy and held placards reading “Make Iran Great Again”. Police formed cordons around the embassy as protesters chanted, waved peace signs and displayed banners criticising Tehran’s crackdown.

Videos circulating on social media appear to show dozens of bodies at a morgue on the outskirts of Tehran, with people walking past body bags attempting to identify loved ones. Wailing can be heard in the footage. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency and people familiar with the site said the videos show the Kahrizak Forensic Medicine Center near Tehran.

Reuters said it was able to confirm the location of the viral morgue video by matching building features, windows and walls with satellite imagery of the Kahrizak Forensic Medical Centre. However, Reuters could not independently verify the identities of those shown or the date the footage was recorded. Iranian authorities have not released official casualty figures for protesters killed in the unrest.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “every decent person on Earth” hopes Iranians succeed in overthrowing their leadership. In a video address, he described the protests as a sign that Russia’s global position would weaken if Iran’s regime fell. Zelenskyy urged global leaders and institutions to act now, calling the moment a turning point with consequences beyond Iran.

Zelenskyy said Iran’s leadership has contributed to suffering in Ukraine and elsewhere, suggesting regime change would undermine Russia’s war effort. He argued that Iran’s internal crisis threatens the Russia–Iran axis and called for accountability for those responsible for violence against protesters. His remarks framed the protests as both a domestic uprising and a geopolitical shift affecting global power dynamics.

At a solidarity protest in Los Angeles, Iranian-American activist Roozbeh Farahanipour said he felt both sorrow and pride over events unfolding in Iran. Farahanipour, who fled Iran under a death sentence years ago, said overseas demonstrations help amplify voices inside the country. “I’m really proud of them,” he told Reuters, referring to protesters risking their lives amid the crackdown.

Farahanipour cautioned against relying solely on foreign intervention, saying Iranians could overthrow the system through unity and sustained action. His comments came as a rights group reported more than 500 deaths since protests began. Tehran has warned it could target US bases if Washington intervenes, while Trump has repeatedly threatened action if force is used against protesters.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains open to talks with the US based on “mutual respect” but is also fully prepared for war. Speaking in Tehran, Araghchi accused the US and Israel of backing unrest, claiming authorities had evidence linking “terrorists” to attacks on police stations and public buildings during the protests.

Iran announced a three-day nationwide mourning period to honour police officers, security personnel and civilians killed during the unrest. According to semi-official Tasnim news agency, at least 111 members of security forces have died over the past two weeks. Authorities have not released official figures for protester deaths, instead blaming foreign-backed groups for the violence.

Despite some easing of internet restrictions, many Iranians remained largely offline on Monday, according to on-the-ground reporting. Domestic phone services were functioning, but access to online platforms was limited. Security has been reinforced across Tehran, with increased police patrols in key areas. Officials said traffic conditions in the capital remained largely normal despite heightened tensions.

Video released after partial lifting of internet restrictions showed vehicles burning during anti-government protests in Tehran earlier this month. The footage, filmed near Hafte Tir Square, captured the sound of continuous gunfire as protesters gathered. Rights group HRANA said it had verified hundreds of deaths nationwide, though Reuters has been unable to independently confirm the figures.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian appeared at a pro-government rally in Tehran, marching alongside supporters through the capital’s streets. The show of unity comes as Iran faces its biggest challenge since 1979. While protests continue nationwide, there are no visible signs of splits within the clerical leadership, military or security forces, and the opposition remains fragmented.

Some Iranians continue to access the internet through Starlink, the satellite service owned by Elon Musk, despite a near-total nationwide communications shutdown imposed by authorities, according to news agency Reuters.

Iranian authorities have in recent days intensified a violent crackdown on protests across Iran, accompanied by sweeping restrictions on digital communications. Access to the internet, which typically relies on fibre-optic networks and mobile phone towers, has been severely curtailed as part of the response.

Despite the restrictions, Starlink — which delivers internet directly from thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites — remains operational in some parts of the country, even though the service is officially banned by Iranian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X that the mass protests unfolding in Iran amount to an uprising and signal further trouble for Russia.

Zelenskyy said the unrest shows that Moscow’s position is unlikely to improve, adding that people around the world want Iranians to break free from a regime he accused of spreading harm far beyond its borders, including to Ukraine.

He said the current moment could prove decisive and warned that the international community must not let the opportunity slip away. Zelenskyy urged global leaders, governments and international organisations to act and support efforts to hold those responsible for Iran’s current state to account.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the international community must support Iranians as protests spread across the country, arguing that the unrest presents a rare chance to bring change to a system he said has caused harm both inside Iran and beyond its borders, including in Ukraine.

Speaking in his video address, Zelenskyy described the demonstrations as an uprising and said they underscored the need for Russia to reconsider its close ties with Tehran. He pointed to Moscow’s use of Iranian-made Shahed drones in the war against Ukraine as evidence of the damage caused by the alliance.

Zelenskyy said people around the world want Iranians to be able to break free from a system he accused of spreading violence and instability.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States will impose a 25 per cent tariff on any country that continues to do business with Iran, sharply escalating economic pressure on Tehran.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the tariff would take effect immediately and apply to all trade conducted with the United States by countries maintaining commercial ties with Iran.

He provided no details on how the measure would be enforced or which countries would be affected.

The US Department of State has warned US citizens that protests across Iran are escalating, with tighter security, road closures, transport disruptions and widespread internet shutdowns.

In an advisory, the State Department said flights to and from Iran are being limited or cancelled until January 16 and urged Americans to plan for continued outages and, if safe, consider leaving by land via Armenia or Türkiye. It warned that US and US-Iranian dual nationals face a high risk of questioning, arrest or detention, as Iran does not recognise dual citizenship.

Iran has quietly released the Greek-owned Suezmax tanker St. Nikolas, nearly two years after it was seized in the Gulf, according to vessel monitoring service TankerTrackers.

The tanker, which had been held since January 2024, was originally carrying Iraqi crude bound for Turkey when Iranian forces detained it. The seizure was widely seen as retaliation for a 2023 US operation that confiscated the same vessel and its cargo.

At the time of the US action, the tanker was sailing under a different name, Suez Rajan, and was intercepted as part of Washington’s sanctions enforcement against oil shipments linked to Iran, according to US authorities.

Iranian state media later confirmed that Tehran had seized the tanker in response, warning that the US move would “not go unanswered”. The ship was later renamed St. Nikolas while under Iranian control.

Non-essential staff at France’s embassy in Iran have departed the country as tensions escalate and concerns grow over possible US military action, Agence France-Presse reported on Monday, citing sources.

According to the report, the departures took place on Sunday and Monday. The sources did not specify how many personnel had left.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said military action against Iran remains among several options available to the US President, while stressing that diplomacy remains his preferred course.

"Air strikes are one of many options on the table for the commander in chief," Leavitt said, adding that the president continues to view diplomacy as the first step.

Senior officials in President Donald Trump’s administration, led by Vice President JD Vance, are urging the White House to pursue diplomatic options before any military strikes against Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

According to the report, the White House is considering an offer from Tehran to enter talks over its nuclear programme, even as Trump signals openness to authorising military action.

The report said internal discussions are under way as the administration weighs whether renewed diplomacy could reduce tensions, amid mounting pressure and warnings over the consequences of direct strikes on Iran.

The European Parliament has barred Iranian diplomats from entering its premises, a move announced on Monday by its President Roberta Metsola.

In a post on X, Metsola said the parliament would not contribute to what she described as legitimising Iran’s ruling authorities, accusing the regime of maintaining power through repression and violence.

“This House will not aid in legitimising this regime that has sustained itself through torture, repression and murder,” she wrote.

Metsola also voiced support for protesters in Iran, praising those who, she said, continue to stand up for their rights and freedoms despite pressure from the authorities.

A senior Russian security official has accused unnamed external forces of interfering in Iran’s internal affairs, according to a statement released by Moscow.

Russia’s Security Council said its executive secretary, Sergei Shoigu, made the remarks during a telephone call on Monday with Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council of Iran.

In the statement carried by Russian news agencies, the Security Council of Russia said Shoigu criticised what he described as foreign involvement in Iran’s domestic situation.

The statement added that Shoigu conveyed condolences over the reported casualties, without providing further details on the incident or its circumstances.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday strongly criticised Iran’s violent crackdown on its citizens in the wake of the country’s largest demonstrations since 2022.

“Respect for fundamental freedoms is a universal requirement, and we stand alongside those who defend them,” Macron wrote on social media platform X.

He had earlier condemned the killing of protesters on Friday in a joint statement with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Sixteen days into a renewed wave of nationwide anti-government protests in Iran, at least 648 protesters have been killed, with thousands more injured, a Norway-based rights group said.

A woman in Iran publicly removed her burqa to reveal a T-shirt bearing a blunt message against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a striking act of defiance amid ongoing anti-government protests. 

Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian joins pro-government rallies in show of strength against anti-Khamenei demonstrations.

Casualties linked to the unrest have continued to mount, with Iranian state media claiming that at least 109 members of the security forces have been killed over the past two weeks. Rights groups operating outside the country, however, have placed civilian deaths at over 200, figures that have not been independently confirmed. Addressing the nation on Sunday, President Masoud Pezeshkian said the government would work to address economic grievances, while blaming the violence on what he described as foreign-driven acts of sabotage.

Visuals broadcast by China Media Group from the affected areas showed intense flames tearing through structures, leaving behind blackened debris and severely damaged storefronts and banking facilities following what appeared to be shelling.

Several commercial establishments, including shops and a bank, were gutted by major fires in Tehran on Sunday, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the skyline as anti-government protests stretched into a third consecutive week across Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that the situation in the country was “under control,” claiming that “many terrorist operatives” had been arrested. Addressing foreign diplomats in a televised meeting, he said “confessions will be released soon” and asserted there was “substantial evidence of foreign involvement.”

Trump said on Sunday that Iran had reached out to negotiate its nuclear programme. However, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei said “contradictory messages” had created ambiguity, while stressing that Iran remains committed to diplomacy.

Communication channels between Tehran and Washington remain open, including via a US special envoy and traditional intermediaries such as Switzerland, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday.

Iranian officials insist stability has been restored as international pressure mounts over the crackdown. Despite claims of control and plans to restore internet access, rights groups and foreign governments continue to raise concerns about the scale of violence, mass detentions, and restrictions on information.

Araghchi accused Western countries of shedding “crocodile tears” for what he described as terrorists in Iran, while remaining silent on Israel’s actions in Gaza. The remarks reflect Tehran’s continued effort to frame the unrest as foreign-backed, even as demonstrations were driven by domestic grievances.

Iran’s foreign minister said internet services would be restored in coordination with security authorities. The announcement follows days of a near-total blackout that watchdogs say reduced connectivity to as little as 1% of normal levels, severely restricting information flow during the protests.

Araghchi claimed that Iranian authorities possess footage showing weapons being distributed to protesters. He said the government would soon release confessions from detainees, a move frequently criticised by rights groups who argue such statements may be obtained under coercion during periods of unrest.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the nationwide protests have come under “total control”, according to an Associated Press report. His comments come despite activists reporting a sharp rise in deaths and detentions during the crackdown, as security forces continue to maintain a heavy presence across multiple cities.

Australians who remain in Iran against official advice were warned they would be responsible for their own safety. The advisory urged people to prepare to shelter in place for an extended period and to ensure adequate supplies of water, food and medication amid uncertainty caused by the protests.

The Australian government warned that commercial options to depart Iran remain available but are becoming increasingly limited. Officials cautioned that airspace closures and flight cancellations could occur soon, further complicating evacuation efforts as unrest and security risks escalate across the country.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs has advised its citizens to leave Iran as ongoing protests continue to destabilise the country. The updated travel warning said the situation could deteriorate rapidly, making it “impossible to leave later” if conditions worsen or borders and airspace are suddenly restricted.

NetBlocks said Iran’s authorities continue to enforce severe restrictions on connectivity, further isolating the country during the protests. The prolonged blackout has raised concerns among rights groups that abuses could go undocumented, as independent reporting and real-time verification remain nearly impossible.

The nationwide shutdown of internet access and telephone lines has made it difficult to assess the full extent of the protests and the government crackdown. Observers say the blackout is hampering efforts to verify casualty figures and document events on the ground as mass anti-government demonstrations continue.

Iran faced another day without meaningful internet access on Monday, with cybersecurity watchdog NetBlocks saying the blackout has lasted at least 84 hours. Connectivity to the outside world had earlier dropped to just 1% of normal levels, leaving most Iranians unable to communicate beyond the country’s borders.

Activists report that at least 538 people have been killed during Iran’s nationwide protests, with many more feared dead. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, which relies on local sources for verification, confirmed 490 protesters and 48 security personnel among the fatalities. The escalating violence marks one of the deadliest crackdowns in recent years.

By portraying the US president as a crumbling sarcophagus, Khamenei’s cartoon adds a symbolic warning to the US amid ongoing unrest in Iran. The reference to both biblical and Iranian historical figures underscores Tehran’s narrative of resistance to foreign pressure, even as deadly protests continue across the country.

The Supreme Leader’s social media post framed Trump as a symbol of global arrogance, reinforcing Iran’s messaging in the context of deadly domestic protests and escalating US threats. The message described Trump as judging the world from a position of pride, reminding readers that history has repeatedly toppled tyrants who overreached.

Alongside the cartoon, Khamenei’s post referenced historical and legendary rulers, including the Pharaohs, Nimrod, and Iran’s former shahs, Reza Khan and Mohammad Reza. The post warned that tyrants are “overthrown when they are at the height of their pride,” implying that Trump, depicted in arrogance, could face a similar fate.

The official social media account of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted a cartoon on X showing US President Donald Trump as an ancient Egyptian-style sarcophagus cracking and crumbling. The illustration includes carvings of the US flag and Great Seal of the United States, with accompanying text reading: “Like Pharaoh,” signaling Tehran’s defiance amid rising tensions with Washington.

According to CNN, Trump is considering a range of intervention options, including military strikes, new sanctions against regime figures, or targeting sectors of Iran’s economy such as energy or banking. US officials say concerns remain that any military action could backfire and undermine the protest movement.

Trump’s remarks come days after he warned that the US would “get involved” if Iranian authorities continued deadly violence against protesters. The statement adds to mounting pressure on Tehran, as international scrutiny grows over the crackdown and Washington openly weighs its next steps.

Trump said Iran’s leadership is seeking negotiations because it is “tired of being beat up by the United States”. He repeated that Tehran wants to negotiate, reinforcing his administration’s stance that pressure is forcing Iranian leaders to consider talks, even as protests continue across the country.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Iran has called to negotiate amid deadly protests and rising tensions with Washington. “They called yesterday. Iran called to negotiate,” Trump said, adding that Iranian leaders want talks as pressure mounts on Tehran during the ongoing unrest.

Human rights groups say more than 550 people were killed and around 20,000 detained during the months-long crackdown that followed the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests. The scale of that violence is now being recalled as international concern grows over the current unrest, with activists warning Iran may be heading toward a similar or worse crackdown.

The ongoing protests in Iran are the most widespread since the 2022 uprising triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini. The young Kurdish woman died in custody after being detained by morality police for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly. The movement then, like now, quickly expanded into a nationwide challenge to Iran’s clerical leadership.

Trump said his administration may speak with Elon Musk about providing Iranians access to Starlink satellite internet amid Iran’s communications blackout. US officials see restoring connectivity as a possible way to support protesters, though concerns remain about surveillance and retaliation by Iranian authorities.

Trump warned that if Iran were to strike US military bases, the United States would respond with unprecedented force. “We will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before,” he said, underscoring the risk of rapid escalation as tensions between Washington and Tehran rise.

In Paris, demonstrators waved Iran’s pre-revolution flag and chanted “No to the terrorist Islamic Republic”. Police blocked access to the Iranian embassy as crowds gathered in large numbers. Similar scenes of solidarity were reported across European cities amid outrage over Iran’s crackdown.

Demonstrators rallied in London, Paris and Istanbul on Sunday in support of protesters in Iran. In London, crowds grew to several thousand near the Iranian embassy and the British prime minister’s residence. Paris saw more than 2,000 demonstrators, while protests in Istanbul were held under heavy police cordons.

Iran’s president warned that “rioters” must not be allowed to destabilise the country, as rights groups accuse authorities of mass killings. Officials continue to frame the protests as a security threat, even as international organisations and governments call for restraint and accountability.

The Norway-based group Iran Human Rights said Iranian authorities have committed a “mass killing” in suppressing protests. The NGO confirmed at least 192 deaths but warned the real toll could already be several hundred or more. The group said access restrictions make independent verification difficult.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “shocked” by reports of violence and excessive force used against protesters in Iran. His spokesperson urged Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and avoid unnecessary or disproportionate force, as international concern grows over the rising death toll.

Reza Pahlavi said his aim is to guide Iran through a transition where “no stone is left unturned” and citizens can decide their future freely. He stressed transparency and elections as central to any post-Islamic Republic system, as protesters inside Iran continue to call for an end to clerical rule.

Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran’s ousted shah, said he is prepared to return to Iran at the first possible opportunity. Speaking on Fox News, Pahlavi said his role would be to lead a transition toward a democratic system, ensuring transparency and allowing Iranians to freely elect their leaders.

Senators Rand Paul and Mark Warner warned that attacking Iran militarily could push the public to rally against an external enemy. Warner said such action risks uniting Iranians “in a way that the regime has not been able to,” reflecting concerns inside the US administration that intervention could undermine the protest movement.