Trump signals potential military action as EU considers new sanctions; death toll reportedly rises to hundreds
As Iran enters its third week of nationwide anti-government protests, the international community has intensified pressure on Tehran, with multiple countries condemning the violent crackdown that human rights organizations say has left hundreds dead and thousands detained. The crisis has prompted warnings of potential military intervention from Washington and new sanctions considerations from the European Union.
According to reports from Iran International, BBC Persian, and The Guardian, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed Monday that the protests have "come under total control," while simultaneously warning adversaries that while Iran is "not seeking war," it is "fully prepared for war." The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that Iranian officials had reached out seeking negotiations, though he warned that Washington "may have to act before a meeting" and is reviewing "very strong options" including military intervention.
New Updates
Iran's nationwide protests, now in their third week, continue amid a severe regime crackdown, internet blackout, and international reactions. Protesters use brief Starlink connections to share videos of rallies and violence despite jamming efforts. Death toll estimates reach at least 648, with thousands arrested across all provinces.
Rights groups report 648 verified protester deaths, potentially thousands more due to communication blackouts. US-based HRNA notes 599 deaths earlier and over 10,600 arrests, with protests in all 31 provinces. Regime provides no official figures but declares mourning for security forces killed.
State media broadcasts pro-government rallies in Tehran and other cities, drawing tens of thousands to Enqelab Square. Parliament speaker Ghalibaf frames unrest as a "four-front war" against the West and "terrorism." Supreme Leader Khamenei calls protesters "foreign mercenaries," while Foreign Minister Araghchi claims control and contacts US envoy amid threats.
Videos from Mashhad show gunshots amid pot-banging protests; Tehran accounts describe families fleeing rifle fire and tear gas. Ahvaz residents chant for Reza Pahlavi's return per activist calls. Internet shutdown since Thursday limits verification of scale.
EU Parliament bans Iranian diplomats; bloc eyes harsher sanctions. Leaders like Macron, Dutch PM condemn violence; UK urges rights protection without proscribing IRGC. Reza Pahlavi urges Trump for action short of ground troops; Eric Trump hopes for peace. Israel FM blasts IRGC; UN shocked by reports including child deaths.
Previous Update
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported at least 538 people killed in the violence, including 490 protesters, with more than 10,600 arrested. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights organization confirmed at least 192 protester deaths, warning the actual toll could be "several hundred or more."
The European Union announced Monday it is preparing to propose "new, more severe sanctions" against the Islamic Republic following what it called a "violent crackdown on protesters." The bloc already maintains sweeping sanctions on Iran for human rights abuses, nuclear proliferation, and support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
Countries Issue Condemnations
Multiple nations have joined the chorus of condemnation:
Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that the "disproportionate and brutal violence" against protesters is "a sign of weakness, not strength." Germany's foreign ministry also announced efforts to place the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the EU's counter-terrorism sanctions list.
Netherlands: Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed solidarity with Iranians "standing up against tyranny," urging the regime to "stop the violence, release those who have been unjustly arrested, and restore internet access."
Canada: The foreign ministry "strongly condemned the continued killing of protesters," calling on the Iranian government to "end its horrific repression and intimidation."
Ireland, Switzerland, and other nations have also issued statements condemning the crackdown, while several countries have advised their citizens to leave Iran or avoid travel to the country.
Calls to Designate IRGC as Terrorist Organization
Pressure is mounting in the United Kingdom to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Trade Minister Peter Kyle acknowledged that current laws make such a designation difficult but said the government is willing to change domestic legislation to enable it.
Conservative MP Robert Jenrick echoed the call, stating: "Even if done late, it's better than never."
Nigel Farage, leader of Britain's Reform Party, went further, declaring his full support for military action against the IRGC. "We took action for regime change against Saddam. We took action for regime change against Gaddafi. The regime change we have always needed is in Iran," Farage said, adding that he had been told the death toll could reach approximately 2,000.
Hannah Neumann, a German member of the European Parliament, called for the expulsion of Iranian ambassadors and representatives from the EU, stating that "no diplomatic normalization is possible with a government that responds to peaceful protests with deadly shots to the head."
Communications Blackout Continues
Iran's internet shutdown has now exceeded 84 hours, according to monitoring agency NetBlocks, severely limiting the flow of information from within the country. Reports have emerged of security forces systematically confiscating satellite dishes from homes and seizing footage from private security cameras.
Araghchi claimed internet connectivity would be restored "soon," though he provided no specific timeline.
Reza Pahlavi Issues New Directives
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran's deposed shah and a prominent voice calling for the protests, released a new statement Sunday declaring that the regime is "facing a serious shortage of suppression forces."
He described state propaganda institutions and communication-blocking entities as "legitimate targets" and warned government employees and security forces they have "an opportunity to join the people... or choose to be accomplices with the nation's killers."
"We are not alone. Global help will arrive soon," Pahlavi stated, though he did not provide details about the nature of such assistance.
Counter-Protests and Government Response
Iranian state media broadcast footage of pro-government rallies in Tehran and other cities Monday, following calls from President Masoud Pezeshkian for citizens to join a "national resistance march."
Pezeshkian accused Iran's adversaries of "trying to escalate this unrest" and bringing "terrorists from abroad into the country."
The government declared three days of national mourning for "martyrs," including security force members killed during the unrest.
Diplomatic Tensions
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that communication channels between Foreign Minister Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff remain open, with messages exchanged "whenever necessary."
Meanwhile, British Ambassador Hugo Shorter was summoned to Iran's foreign ministry following a protest at the Iranian embassy in London where demonstrators pulled down the Islamic Republic's flag.
China, for its part, urged restraint, with foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stating that Beijing "opposes the use or threat of use of force in international relations" and hopes Iran can "maintain national stability."
Protests Abroad
Iranians in the diaspora have organized solidarity demonstrations worldwide. In Stockholm, protesters gathered outside the Iranian embassy, while in Los Angeles, a car bearing the message "No Shah, No Regime... No Mullahs" drove into a crowd of Iranian-American demonstrators, reportedly injuring several people. The driver was detained by police.