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Iran Crackdown Deepens as Trump Imposes Tariffs and Europe Escalates Pressure

With internet access largely cut since January 8, rights groups say hundreds have been killed and thousands detained as limited phone service cautiously resumes.

Overview

  • Iran Human Rights reports at least 648 protesters killed and about 10,000 arrests since December 28, while Human Rights Watch cites credible accounts of large-scale killings by security forces.
  • President Donald Trump urged Iranians to “take control of your institutions,” said “help is on the way,” canceled meetings with Iranian officials, and announced 25% tariffs on countries trading with Iran.
  • European governments intensified diplomacy by summoning Iranian envoys, and the EU signaled rapid new sanctions, with France publicly condemning the crackdown as intolerable.
  • Iran’s foreign minister said the nationwide internet shutdown was ordered over alleged terrorist operations directed from abroad; despite the blackout, international phone calls from Iran were partly restored Tuesday, according to AFP.
  • Iranian authorities organized mass pro-government rallies and declared three days of national mourning, while state media reported dozens of security personnel killed and rights groups described overwhelmed hospitals.