Iran Protests Highlights: European Union considering stronger sanctions against Iran

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Iraqi officials said the Shalamcheh border crossing in Basra is operating normally, with travellers moving between Iraq and Iran under Iraqi security supervision. The update comes amid severe unrest in Iran, where protests over soaring prices have evolved into the largest challenge to the Islamic Republic since 1979.

Tehran has warned neighbouring countries it would target US bases if Washington intervenes, following threats from US President Donald Trump. The HRANA rights group reports over 2,400 protesters have been killed. Meanwhile, Iran’s currency has hit record lows, worsening economic strain under long-standing Western sanctions.

Four Arab countries carried out intensive diplomatic efforts this week with both Washington and Tehran to avert a potential US strike on Iran, a Gulf official said. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Egypt were involved in talks over a 48-hour period, amid fears that a US attack over Iran’s crackdown on protesters could destabilise the wider region.

The efforts came before US President Donald Trump said Thursday he had decided, for now, against military action. The countries warned Washington that an attack would have serious regional security and economic repercussions, while cautioning Iran that any retaliation against US assets in the Gulf would damage its regional ties.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the global situation is worsening and the world is becoming more dangerous, highlighting intensifying conflicts and emerging flashpoints. However, in his remarks to newly appointed ambassadors, he did not address recent major events such as the US-led removal of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, the protests in Iran, or threats from US leadership.

Putin spoke broadly about global instability and Russia’s commitment to a multipolar world, but chose not to comment on these specific crises.

The United States has announced a fresh set of sanctions targeting Iranian officials accused of violently suppressing nationwide protests challenging the country’s theocratic leadership. Among those sanctioned on Thursday is the secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security, whom the US Treasury Department says was one of the earliest officials to advocate the use of force against demonstrators. In addition, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned 18 individuals and entities allegedly involved in laundering proceeds from Iranian oil sales abroad. US officials say the activity was carried out through a shadow banking network linked to sanctioned institutions, including Bank Melli and Shahr Bank.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said Thursday that a local staff member was killed and others injured during violent protests in Iran last weekend.

Amir Ali Latifi, who worked with the Iranian Red Crescent Society, was killed on January 10 while on duty in Gillan province, according to the organisation.

The IFRC said it is gravely concerned about the impact of ongoing unrest on civilians and is closely coordinating with the Iranian Red Crescent to monitor developments.

Pakistan’s government has said it is closely monitoring the situation in Iran and supports a peaceful resolution of the ongoing developments. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stressed that peace and stability in Iran are vital for regional security. Describing Iran as a neighbouring, friendly, and brotherly country, he said Pakistan hopes to see a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Iran.

Andrabi noted that recent protests were largely driven by economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens, compounded by international sanctions. He expressed hope that financial relief measures announced by the Iranian government will reduce public suffering and reaffirmed Pakistan’s confidence in Iran’s resilience and ability to overcome current challenges.

The security alert level at the U.S. Al Udeid air base in Qatar has been lowered after being raised on Wednesday following heightened regional tensions. The alert was triggered after an Iranian official reportedly warned that Tehran would target neighbouring countries hosting U.S. military bases in the event of an American or Israeli attack on Iran.

Sources said US aircraft that were moved out of Al Udeid during the alert are now gradually returning to the base. Diplomats speaking on condition of anonymity added that some personnel who had been advised to leave the base on Wednesday have also been cleared to return.

The US embassy in Qatar declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association said the first evacuation flight for Indian students stranded in Iran is expected to depart from Tehran to Delhi tomorrow after Iranian authorities reopened civilian airspace. All students have been registered, with the Indian embassy collecting personal details and passports. The first batch has been asked to remain ready by 8:00 AM.

Students from Golestan University and a few from SBUMS and TUMS are likely to be included. The final passenger list will be shared later tonight. The association said the development has brought major relief to anxious families in Jammu and Kashmir amid the deteriorating security situation.

Mir Fareed input

Former Indian Ambassador to Iran Gaddam Dharmendra said Iranians are deeply frustrated with the political system but do not want instability.

"The vast middle of Iran is suffering" and has endured hardships for "45 plus years," he noted.

While people desire change, they are wary after witnessing chaos in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and Libya. Dharmendra said there is an “elasticity between the ruled and the rulers,” with protests pushing limits before pulling back. He added that reports from within Iran suggest calm in major cities, though anger persists, and warned the situation may be “at a tipping point,” capable of moving either way.

-ANI

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday called for dialogue and restraint during a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi, as regional tensions remain high. According to a statement carried by state-run Xinhua, Wang said China opposed the use or threat of force in international relations and stressed that disputes should be resolved through peaceful dialogue. He expressed confidence that the Iranian government and people could overcome current challenges and maintain national stability. Wang urged all parties to value peace and exercise restraint, adding that Beijing was ready to play a constructive role in easing tensions and promoting dialogue among concerned sides.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday questioned whether Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi could command support inside Iran, despite describing him as "very nice".

During an exclusive interview, news agency Reuters quoted Trump, who said at the White House that Iran’s clerical leadership could potentially collapse but stopped short of endorsing Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, ousted in 1979.

While Trump has repeatedly warned of possible intervention to support Iranian protesters amid reports of thousands killed in a crackdown, he expressed uncertainty about Pahlavi’s domestic appeal. Trump said it was unclear whether Iranians would accept Pahlavi’s leadership and noted the situation had not yet reached that stage.

The UN Security Council has called an emergency meeting for Thursday to discuss Iran’s deadly protests, following a request from the US. The move comes amid heightened tensions after President Donald Trump warned of possible action to halt the killing of demonstrators, though he did not specify what steps Washington might take.

In response, Tehran struck a more conciliatory tone, appearing to seek de-escalation after Trump condemned Iran’s violent crackdown, including reports of executions of detained protesters.

The meeting underscores growing international concern over the unrest and Iran’s handling of nationwide demonstrations.

-Associated Press

French President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency defence cabinet in Paris on Thursday to discuss the forceful crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran.

The crisis meeting, confirmed by a French official, was scheduled to begin at 0700 GMT. The meeting was first reported by French news agency AFP.

(with inputs from Reuters)