Overview
- Rights groups and activists report death tolls exceeding 2,000 during nationwide protests, with verification hampered by an extended internet blackout and only partial restoration of phone service.
- Trump urged Iranians to keep protesting and said 'help is on its way,' canceled all contacts with Iranian officials, warned of 'very strong action' if hangings occur, and was briefed on strike options including non-military sites.
- The White House kept military and cyber options on the table as Vice President JD Vance prepared to chair a National Security Council meeting, and the president announced a 25% tariff on countries that continue trading with Iran.
- Tehran accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the unrest and threatened retaliation if attacked, while activists warned that 26-year-old Erfan Soltani could be the first protester executed.
- European governments summoned Iranian ambassadors and weighed new sanctions, Germany’s chancellor questioned the regime’s durability, Russia denounced US threats, Gulf partners urged restraint, China criticized the tariff move, and Qatar called for de-escalation.