The protest by Iranian civil society has been inflaming the country for two weeks: according to NGOs, at least 544 have already died, while thousands of protesters have been arrested. Authorities in Tehran have warned that if Washington were to strike Iran as Donald Trump has speculated, the United States and Israel would become “legitimate targets.” The US president, however, opened up the possibility of negotiation: “Iranian leaders want to negotiate”, he reported.
Moscow: “Coordination with Iran to ensure security”
In a telephone conversation today between the secretary of the Russian National Security Council, Serghei Shoigu, and his Iranian counterpart, Ali Larijani, “the parties agreed to continue contacts and coordinate their positions to ensure security”. This was announced by the Russian Security Council reported by the Ria Novosti agency.
Aragchi: “We don’t believe the US is ready for fair negotiations”
“We do not believe that Washington is ready for a fair and just negotiation, and when it is, we will take a serious look at it.” This was stated by the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, in an interview with Aljazeera. “We are ready to sit at the nuclear negotiating table as long as this happens without threats or diktats,” he explained. For Tehran’s head of diplomacy, “the United States and Israel aim, through the uprisings, to achieve what they failed to achieve with the war”. “We will not allow terrorist groups supported from outside, especially Israel, to continue their activity,” Araghchi warned.
Moscow condemns “attempts to interfere in Iran”
Moscow condemns what it calls “attempts to interfere in Iran’s internal affairs”. The secretary of the Russian National Security Council, Serghei Shoigu, said this in a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Ali Larijani, with whom he spoke about the protests shaking the Islamic Republic.
Macron condemns “indiscriminate state violence against protesters”
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the “state violence that indiscriminately affects Iranian women and men who courageously demand respect for their rights”. He stated this in a post on X, recalling that “respect for fundamental freedoms is a universal requirement and we stand alongside those who defend it”.
NGO: “At least 648 dead in protests in Iran”
At least 648 protesters were killed during the anti-government protests that began 16 days ago in Iran. This was reported by the Norwegian-based non-governmental organization ‘Iran Human Rights’, updating the assessment it has held since the beginning of the protests, which broke out on 28 December in various cities of the country due to the economic crisis. According to the NGO, among the victims there are nine minors while thousands of people are injured. In a statement on its website, ‘Iran Human Rights’ estimates that more than 10,000 people have been arrested, but the almost total blockade of the internet in force since January 8 makes it difficult to obtain more precise data.
Pahalavi Jr: “Weak regime. Trump must act immediately”
The heir to the Iranian throne Reza Pahlavi has asked American President Donald Trump to intervene immediately in Iran to help the insurgents overthrow the regime. “Now is the time to act,” Pahlavi Jr wrote on “The regime is weak and struggling. The people are ready to overthrow it. It does not need troops on the ground. All it needs is action from the leader of the free world,” he insisted. “Negotiating with this criminal regime that continues to threaten America and the President will not bring peace. But immediate action in support of these brave protesters will save thousands of lives and bring lasting peace to the region. This will be President Trump’s legacy,” he assured.
Former UK 007 chief warns: ‘Iran’s capacity for repression remains strong’
The Iranian government has been “weakened” by the protests of the last two weeks, but remains capable of repressing dissent with “cruelty”. This is claimed by Richard Moore, head of the British foreign secret service MI6 until last year, when asked about it by the Mirror online. According to Moore, “it is significant” that the protest movement now has “a vast geographical extension” in Iran and is present “in every part of Tehran”, in the face of “a regime” that appears to him “weaker than in the past, due to an accentuation of its incompetence”. The protest, states the former number one of His Majesty’s 007, “was initially fueled by economic factors”, as well as by tiredness from “the so-called 12 months of war” marked by the raids conducted by Israel and then also by the USA in Iran last June. Moore therefore says he is convinced that the Islamic Republic has lost “international weight” and is “losing allies in the region”. He warns that “however its potential for repression and cruelty is not exhausted.” And he predicts that “it will be used to the hilt to try to crush” the rebellion.
Iran: “10 arrests in Tehran for violence in protests”
Iran has arrested 10 people as part of anti-government protests in Tehran, accusing it of “terrorism”. According to the Tasnim agency, close to the Revolutionary Guards, citing the Ministry of Intelligence, the 10 are part of a team that entered Tehran from a border province and was responsible for the killing of two members of the Basij, the volunteer paramilitary force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in Heravi Square in Tehran on 7 January. The Ministry of Intelligence, in its note, reports that the arrested people “gave important confessions about the burning of mosques, banks and private properties”. The Iranian government’s position is that much of the violence that occurred during the protests, including the killings of more than 100 members of the security forces, was perpetrated by “terrorists” aided by external actors.
Israel hospitals alerted, prepare for emergency
Israeli authorities have ordered Israeli hospitals to prepare to immediately transition to an emergency situation, amid growing tensions with Iran and fears of possible escalation. This was reported by Israeli media who reported a copy of the circular.
Netherlands, include Pasdaran on EU terrorist list
The Dutch Foreign Minister, David van Weel, proposes to include the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC, the so-called Pasdaran) in the EU list of terrorist organisations.
“I am shocked and appalled by the images and stories coming from Iran, I strongly condemn the use of violence against peaceful demonstrators. It is time to act: the EU should include the IRGC in the list of terrorist organizations and impose targeted sanctions on human rights violators and those who facilitate repression by blocking communication channels. The violence must stop immediately”, writes the head of Dutch diplomacy on X.
NGO, the death toll in the protests rises to 572 and over 10,600 arrests
The death toll in the ongoing protests in Iran continues to worsen. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana), 572 deaths have been confirmed so far, although the true figure could be significantly higher. According to data released, the victims include 503 protesters and 69 members of the security forces. The organization, also considered reliable during previous protest waves in the country, develops its estimates through a network of supporters present in Iran who verify the information. Hrana also reports that over 10,600 people have been arrested since the demonstrations began, now in their third week.
Iran summons ambassadors from Italy, France, Germany and the United Kingdom
The Iranian authorities have summoned the ambassadors and chargés d’affaires of Italy, France, Germany and the United Kingdom to Tehran to protest against the support given by the four European countries to the anti-government protests that have been shaking the Islamic Republic since December 28. This was reported in a note from the Iranian Foreign Ministry, quoted by state TV. According to the BBC, the four European diplomats were summoned to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to view videos of what Iranian authorities described as “violence by rioters”. Tehran showed images of street protests, claiming that the unrest went beyond simple peaceful demonstrations. According to local media, Foreign Ministry officials told the ambassadors that any political or media support for the protests was unacceptable and constituted interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
Metsola bans regime representatives from entering the European Parliament
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, has decided to ban any diplomat or representative of the Iranian government from entering the premises of the European Parliament. Today we have taken a further step forward and, in line with our Rules of Procedure, I have taken the decision to ban all diplomats, diplomatic mission staff, government officials and representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran from entering any premises of the European Parliament. Our services have been ordered to deny entry to any representative who attempts to do so with immediate effect”, writes Metsola in a letter addressed to MEPs. “Those who brave the streets, the political prisoners still detained, need more than simple solidarity – he underlines -. The position of the European Parliament, as decided in plenary, is clear and in recent days we have reiterated our call for respect for human rights, for the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization and for the extension of EU sanctions to all those who engage in repression, violence and executions. The Iranian people can continue to count on the support, solidarity and action of this Parliament.”
Media, Araghchi contacted Witkoff over the weekend
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contacted White House envoy Steve Witkoff over the weekend. Axios reports this, citing two informed sources. The purpose of the contact, to attempt to defuse the United States, or at least buy more time before President Donald Trump orders any action to further weaken the regime. The two would have agreed to a meeting in the next few days. It is not clear whether the two spoke on the phone or exchanged emails, but it is evidence that the direct channel of communication between Washington and Tehran is still open, despite the stalemate in the nuclear negotiations and the exchanges of threats between the two countries, Axios highlights. And moreover, the Araghchi spokesperson, Esmail Baqaei, had already reported it in the morning. “Messages are exchanged whenever necessary,” he said. The communication takes place with the mediation of Switzerland, he explained.
The President of Parliament: “Trump, come and we’ll teach you a lesson”
The speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, has once again challenged American President Donald Trump. “I say to the delusional and arrogant president of the United States: we, the Iranian nation, are your enemies,” he chanted in a speech broadcast by several broadcasters, as a crowd gathered in Tehran against the anti-regime riots of the last two weeks. “We are waiting for you. The men of the battlefield are waiting for you. Come, so you can see all your capabilities in the region destroyed. Know that the defenders of Iran will teach you an unforgettable lesson,” he assured.
Intelligence: load of weapons seized on a foreign truck
Iran’s intelligence ministry said it had seized a shipment of weapons from a foreign truck. There were 273 pieces of various weapons in the vehicle, Iribnews reports.
In a video, dozens of corpses in a morgue near Tehran
A video circulating online shows dozens of corpses in a morgue on the outskirts of Tehran. People familiar with the facility and the group Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) reported today that the images show the Kahrizak Forensic Medicine Center. In the video, people are seen walking next to bags containing corpses laid out in a large room, in an attempt to identify them. Another video, widely shared by activists, shows people gathered around a television monitor in the morgue, looking at images of corpses’ faces. Outside you can hear people crying in pain. The images are compatible with others of the structure available online.
Moscow Times: Transport of gold reserves to Moscow has begun
Since the beginning of the uprising, flights of private planes from Tehran to Russia have intensified, offering the Iranian leadership technical-military support and at the same time preparing the evacuation of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his family and assistants. The Moscow Times writes this, according to which the transport of gold reserves to Moscow has also begun, as happened with the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, flying over the Caucasus and avoiding airspace controlled by NATO.
There is also President Pezeshkian in the square in Tehran
President Masoud Pezeshkian is also among the thousands of people who took to the streets today in Tehran in a demonstration in support of the Iranian regime, after 16 days of protests. Press TV reports it.
State TV shows images of pro-Khamenei demonstrations
Iranian state TV broadcast images of demonstrations attended by hundreds of people in favor of the Islamic Republic in various cities across the country. While the internet has been blocked in the country for over 84 hours and there have been two weeks of anti-government protests where NGOs denounce the killing of at least 544 people, the English-language version of Iranian state TV, Press TV, published X live images on its account where hundreds of people could be seen parading with the flag of the Islamic Republic in cities such as Zahedan, Rasht, Ilam, Arak and in the northern province of Azerbaijan. Press TV described the participants in the demonstrations in favor of the Islamic Republic, which showed images of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as “Iranians united against terrorism” and branded the anti-government protests as “riots in Iran supported by the US and Israel”. According to the Iranian state TV website, other demonstrations in favor of the Islamic Republic in various cities of the country, including Tehran, are scheduled for 2pm local time, 11.30am in Italy.
SMS from the regime to families in Tehran: “Keep your children away from the protests”
Iranian police are sending text messages to Tehran residents to warn parents to keep their children away from “rioters.” Al-Jazeera writes it.
“Given the presence of terrorist groups and armed individuals in some rallies last night and their plans to cause casualties, and the firm decision not to tolerate any appeasement attitude and to decisively confront the rioters, families are strongly advised to take care of their young people and adolescents,” the messages read.
The Telegraph: “The US prepares cyber attacks on Iran”
The United States is preparing for possible cyber attacks against Iran in response to Tehran’s crackdown on anti-government protesters. He writes it Telegraph citing US officials who say cyber operations are underway to punish the Iranian leadership for violence used against protesters.
Merz: “Violence must end in Iran”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the violence perpetrated by Iranian security forces against peaceful protesters as “disproportionate” and “brutal.” “I call on the Iranian leadership to protect its people instead of threatening them,” Merz said during his visit to India. “We condemn in the strongest terms the violence that Tehran’s leadership is using against its own people.” He added that this is a sign of weakness, not strength. “And this violence must stop.” Merz explicitly praised the courage of the demonstrators, underlining that they are demonstrating peacefully for freedom in their country, and this is their right.
Araghchi: “Armed elements fired at police and protesters”
“Armed elements took part in the demonstrations and opened fire against both security forces and demonstrators.” This was stated by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, stating that the protests on December 28 “started with traders and were peaceful”, but according to him “from January 1 other elements were added and protests accompanied by violence began. The security forces managed the demonstrations peacefully”.
Araghchi: “We are ready for war, but also for dialogue”
The Iranian Foreign Minister said that Tehran “is ready for war, but also for dialogue”.
Beijing: “China hopes that Tehran can keep the country stable”
China’s Foreign Ministry weighed in on the protests in Iran, declaring that it “hopes the Iranian government can keep the country stable.”
Araghchi: “Now the situation is totally under control”
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said “the situation is under total control” amid the nationwide protests.
Foreign Minister Araghchi: “Protests turned violent to provide the US with an excuse to intervene”
Iran’s foreign minister said nationwide protests in his country “turned violent and bloody to provide an excuse” for US President Donald Trump’s intervention. Abbas Araghchi provided no evidence to support his claim, which comes after activists reported that more than 500 people had been killed, the vast majority of them protesters. Araghchi spoke with foreign diplomats in Tehran. The satellite broadcaster Al Jazeerafinanced by Qatar and which was allowed to operate despite the country’s internet outage, released its statements.
CNN: various intervention plans presented to Trump
In the wake of the wave of repression that is bloodying Iran, “several intervention plans” have been presented to US President Donal Trump to strike the Iranian regime but which “do not include military attacks”. CNN reported this, citing two White House officials after Trump himself, responding to journalists, said that “very strong options” are currently being examined in line with his promise to support anti-government protests.
Trump: meeting possible, Tehran wants to negotiate
Tehran “wants to negotiate”. This was announced by US President Donald Trump while conversing with journalists on board Air Force One. “Iranian leaders called” yesterday, Trump said, adding that “a meeting is being set up” so “we may have to act before” that happens.
Trump: “Very strong options against Tehran are being examined”
“We are evaluating the situation very seriously. The army is looking into the matter and we are considering some very strong options. We will make a decision.” Thus the President of the United States, Donald Trump, responding to journalists on board Air Force One who asked him if Iran had crossed the red line he had established, namely the killing of demonstrators. “It seems like they’re starting to do it,” Trump said without hiding the fact that a military option is also currently being considered, in light of the violent crackdowns on mass protests in the country.
Khamenei: “Trump will be overthrown like Pharaoh and Reza”
“That gentleman who sits there with arrogance and pride, judging all the world, let him also know that usually the despots and arrogant people of history, such as Pharaoh, Nimrod, Reza Khan, Mohammad Reza and others like him, were overthrown just when they were at the height of their pride. This one too will meet the same fate and be overthrown.” Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, writes this on X