Death toll in Iran protests surpasses 700, and Trump threatens airstrikes
Recent human rights reports have revealed a horrific surge in the number of victims of government repression in Iran. The Norway-based organization Iran Human Rights reported that the death toll among protesters has reached at least 734 since the outbreak of anti-government demonstrations. In a statement released on Tuesday, the organization indicated that this figure is not final, suggesting that the actual number of victims is likely in the thousands, given the ongoing blackout and the difficulty of documenting all cases across various Iranian cities and provinces.
These alarming figures come more than two weeks after the start of the popular uprising, with the organization confirming that it continues to receive reports of further casualties in various parts of the country. This significant increase in the death toll reflects a violent approach adopted by security forces in dealing with protesters, reminiscent of a long history of protests that faced similar repression, often fueling public anger rather than containing it.
European move and anticipated sanctions
Internationally, the excessive violence against protesters has provoked angry reactions from Western powers. The European Union summoned the Iranian ambassador in Brussels to lodge a formal protest, a diplomatic move reflecting the international community's growing impatience with Tehran's actions. Simultaneously, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged to quickly present proposals for a new package of sanctions against the Iranian regime, targeting those responsible for the killings and repression.
Observers believe that potential European sanctions could increase Tehran’s political and economic isolation, especially in light of the living crises that Iran is suffering from, which were one of the main drivers of the outbreak of protests in the first place.
Trump: The military option is on the table
For his part, US President Donald Trump took a more aggressive stance, directly addressing the Iranian protesters via his Truth Social platform, describing them as "patriots" and urging them to continue their movement and seize control of state institutions. Trump also announced the cancellation of all diplomatic meetings with Iranian officials as an immediate punitive measure until what he called "senseless killing" ceases.
The US side did not limit itself to verbal support; the White House indicated that all options remained on the table, including airstrikes to end the repression, while emphasizing that diplomacy remained the "first choice." In an escalating economic move, Trump approved a 25% tariff on Iran's trading partners, effective immediately, placing Tehran and its partners under immense economic pressure that could reshape alliances in the region.
