Washington signals forceful response
The United States has warned Iran that it is prepared to take military action if Tehran continues using lethal force against protesters, American officials told the UN Security Council on Thursday. Speaking during an emergency session focused on the unrest in Iran, US Ambassador Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump remains ready to act if the violence does not stop.
Waltz stressed that Trump views military intervention as a real option, saying the president has made it clear that “all options are on the table” to halt what Washington describes as the killing of civilians. He added that Iranian leaders should not underestimate Trump’s willingness to act decisively.
Iran pushes back at the United Nations
Iran strongly rejected the US accusations during the Security Council meeting. Deputy Iranian Ambassador Hossein Darzi accused Washington of deliberately inflaming the situation and steering protests toward violence. He argued that US claims of concern for human rights were a cover for political destabilisation and potential military intervention, framed under what he called a false humanitarian narrative.
The exchange came as signs emerged that the protests challenging Iran’s leadership were losing momentum. A nationwide communications blackout has largely silenced online footage of demonstrations, and heavy security deployments remain in place across major cities.
Protests suppressed as death toll rises
Eyewitnesses in Tehran reported quieter streets in recent days, with fewer signs of overnight clashes and no visible debris or fires. The intense gunfire heard earlier in the protests has also reportedly subsided. Despite the apparent slowdown, the human cost has been severe.
According to a US-based human rights group, at least 2,677 people have been killed since the crackdown began, marking the deadliest wave of anti-government protests since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. Sources inside Iran fear the true number may be far higher, possibly reaching tens of thousands over the past three weeks.
In response, Washington announced new sanctions targeting Iranian officials accused of ordering or enabling the violent suppression. Among those sanctioned is the secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security, who US officials say was among the first to call for force against protesters. The G7 and the European Union are also weighing additional sanctions, with EU leaders signaling their intent to increase pressure on Tehran in hopes of forcing political change.
