Post by : Bianca
Haleem
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced that he received information indicating Iran has ceased its actions against protesters, including halt on executions, though he noted that such claims remain unverified by the U.S.
During a statement at the White House, Trump highlighted that “very important sources on the other side” had informed him of the cessation of killings and the cancellation of planned executions. He reiterated that the United States would continue to “monitor the situation closely”, keeping all options, including military intervention, on the table.
In recent days, Trump has issued multiple warnings to Iran, emphasizing U.S. support for the Iranian populace amid a violent crackdown that has reportedly resulted in over 3,400 protester fatalities.
When queried about the possibility of military action, Trump replied, “We’re going to watch it and see what the process is.”
Iran Denies Executions
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview with U.S. media that there would be “no executions today or tomorrow”. He blamed outside forces, particularly Israel, for inciting unrest within Iran, without presenting any proof.
According to Araghchi, protests initiated due to economic difficulties on December 28 became violent by early January, driven by “external elements” attempting to instigate U.S. involvement.
Amin Hossein Rahimi, Iran's Justice Minister, supported this view, stating that after January 7, protests transformed into acts of criminality. He remarked that those arrested during this timeframe were engaged in violent actions.
Human rights advocates have reported that the execution of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, apprehended during protests, is now suspended, based on family information.
Growing International Alarm
On Wednesday night, the United Nations called for an emergency Security Council meeting, prompted by a U.S. request, to deliberate over the unfolding situation in Iran.
Iranian officials affirm that the nation maintains “full control” and has characterized recent events as calm, dismissing them as days of “terrorist operations.”
Nonetheless, heightened tensions remain, with Iran threatening significant repercussions for any U.S. military action. A senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei referenced a prior strike on a U.S. facility in Qatar to illustrate Iran’s capability to retaliate.
Several nations are taking preventive steps. The UK has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran, Germany's Lufthansa has rerouted to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace, and U.S. diplomatic personnel have been urged to exercise caution.
Warnings of Severe Repression
Human rights organizations report that Iran is engaging in its most oppressive measures in years, exacerbated by a five-day internet blackout. Amnesty International has accused the Iranian government of unlawful mass killings on an “unprecedented scale.”
Despite restricted internet access, verified footage depicts bodies in black bags at a Tehran morgue, as families seek information about missing loved ones.
According to Norway's Iran Human Rights group, over 10,000 individuals have been detained, with some facing death penalties for charges like “waging war against God.”
These protests are regarded as the largest since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, drawing global attention due to concerns regarding human rights, regional stability, and the potential for further escalations.
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