Washington warns Tehran at the UN
The United States has issued a stark warning to Iran, saying military action remains an option if authorities continue to use deadly force against protesters. The message was delivered during an emergency session of the UN Security Council, where US and Iranian representatives clashed over responsibility for the ongoing violence.
US Ambassador Mike Waltz told the council that President Donald Trump is prepared to act if the killing does not stop. He stressed that Trump favors decisive action over prolonged diplomacy and has made clear that “all options are on the table” to halt what Washington describes as mass bloodshed.
Iran accuses US of fueling unrest
Iran pushed back strongly during the meeting, rejecting US claims and accusing Washington of interfering in its internal affairs. Deputy Iranian Ambassador Hossein Darzi said the US was using human rights language as a cover for destabilisation and possible military intervention.
According to Darzi, the US is attempting to present itself as a supporter of the Iranian people while actively steering unrest toward violence. Tehran has repeatedly blamed foreign actors for inflaming protests and escalating tensions.
Protests fade as death toll mounts
On the ground, the nationwide protests appear to be losing momentum under a heavy security crackdown and a continued communications blackout. Videos of demonstrations have largely stopped emerging, and residents in Tehran report quieter streets, with no signs of overnight fires or debris and a noticeable drop in gunfire.
Despite the apparent lull, the human toll has been devastating. A US-based rights group estimates that at least 2,677 people have been killed, making this the deadliest wave of anti-government protests since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. Sources inside the country fear the true number could be far higher, possibly reaching 15,000 deaths over the past three weeks.
In response to the crackdown, Washington announced new sanctions targeting Iranian officials accused of directing the violence, including a senior national security figure. The G7 and the European Union have also signaled plans to expand sanctions, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen saying Europe is seeking stronger measures to force political change in Tehran.
