Overview
- Iran Human Rights reports 648 protesters killed and about 10,000 arrests since December 28, with verification hampered by a nationwide internet cutoff since January 8, though international phone calls were partially restored on Tuesday, AFP reported.
- Iran’s foreign minister said the shutdown followed “terrorist operations” directed from abroad, a claim disputed by rights defenders who accuse authorities of hiding a far deadlier crackdown.
- President Donald Trump said the 25% tariffs take effect immediately on any country trading with Iran, as the White House kept airstrikes on the table while emphasizing diplomacy, and China vowed to defend its interests.
- Authorities staged mass pro-government rallies in Tehran and declared three days of national mourning, with state media reporting dozens of security personnel killed.
- European governments increased pressure as Spain and Finland summoned Iranian envoys and the EU weighed tougher sanctions, while Germany’s chancellor predicted the regime’s “last days and weeks” and filmmaker Jafar Panahi appealed for international support.