Iran Protests Intensify with Over 600 Fatalities Reported
Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) claimed on Monday that at least 648 protesters have lost their lives during the ongoing anti-government demonstrations in Iran. The protests have now entered their 16th consecutive day, marking a significant escalation in the nationwide unrest.
The organisation also reported thousands of injuries amid the widespread demonstrations. Iran has not provided an official death toll from the protests, instead blaming the bloodshed on US interference. The political turmoil in Iran has now stretched into its third week, with the Trump administration considering military intervention and Iranian leaders warning they are fully prepared for war.
US Imposes Tariffs on Iran's Trading Partners
US President Donald Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on any country conducting business with Iran. He declared this order final and conclusive without specifying which nations would be affected. According to economic database Trading Economics, China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq serve as Iran's main trading partners, making them potentially vulnerable to these new economic measures.
Iran's Dual Stance: Prepared for War but Open to Negotiation
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Monday that his country stands prepared for war while remaining open to negotiations. This declaration came after President Trump hinted at possible US military action to halt what he described as a deadly crackdown by Iranian authorities against anti-government protesters.
"We are not looking for war, but we are prepared for war — even more prepared than the previous war," Araqchi told foreign ambassadors at a conference in Tehran, as reported by the New York Times. He added, "We are also ready for negotiations, but negotiations that are fair, with equal rights and mutual respect."
Araqchi further revealed that Tehran continues to study ideas proposed by Washington, though he described these proposals as "incompatible" with US threats. Communications between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and the Iranian foreign minister have reportedly continued before, during, and after the protests.
Iran Announces Arrests of 'Terrorist' Teams
Iran's Ministry of Intelligence announced on Monday that security forces have detained what they described as "terrorist" teams responsible for multiple violent acts. According to a statement carried by state media, these teams allegedly killed paramilitary volunteers loyal to the clerical establishment, torched mosques, and attacked military sites.
Parliament Speaker Warns US of Regional Consequences
Addressing a large crowd in Tehran's Enqelab Square on Monday, parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf declared that Iranians are fighting a war on four distinct fronts. He identified these as an economic war, psychological warfare, military war against the US and Israel, and what he called a war against terrorism.
Qalibaf issued a stark warning to the United States, stating, "Come and see what will happen to American ships and military bases in the region. Come and burn in the fire of the Iranian nation so severely that it becomes a lasting lesson in history for all oppressive US rulers. Come and find out what will happen to you and to the region." Iran state-run Press TV carried these remarks today.
White House Emphasizes Diplomacy as First Option
Meanwhile, President Trump confirmed he has been considering various options regarding Iran, which has experienced more than two weeks of demonstrations despite a near-total internet blackout and the use of lethal force by authorities.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday that while airstrikes represent one of many alternatives available to the president, "diplomacy is always the first option for the president." She added, "What you're hearing publicly from the Iranian regime is quite different from the messages the administration is receiving privately, and I think the president has an interest in exploring those messages."
US Issues Travel Warning for Citizens in Iran
The US Department of State Consular Affairs highlighted the escalating protests and advised US citizens in Iran to consider leaving by land through Armenia or Turkey. The department stated on its TravelGov account on X, "US nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran."
Iran Presents Footage to European Ambassadors
According to CNN reports, Iran's foreign ministry summoned the ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and France to present them with footage of what Iranian authorities described as violent acts committed by protesters during recent demonstrations.
Internet Blackout Reaches 96 Hours
Cybersecurity watchdog NetBlocks reported that Iran's internet blackout has now reached 96 hours. Additionally, Iranian security forces are clamping down on the use of Starlink satellite internet services. Pro-reform activist outlet IranWire reported that authorities are conducting raids on homes and arresting individuals found in possession of satellite equipment.
European Parliament Bans Iranian Diplomatic Staff
The European Parliament will ban all Iranian diplomatic staff and representatives from its premises amid widespread anti-regime protests, according to the assembly's president. This move represents a significant diplomatic response to the ongoing situation in Iran.
