Guterres calls on Iran to respect protests, and Trump threatens intervention
Amid the escalating and tragic events unfolding in Iran, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a clear and direct appeal to the authorities in Tehran to respect the people's right to freedom of expression and to guarantee the right to peaceful protest. This appeal comes at a critical juncture as protests intensify across various Iranian cities, with alarming reports indicating a rising death toll. Official figures and consistent media reports confirm that at least 12 people have been killed so far.
The United Nations calls for respect for freedoms
In detailing the UN position, the spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, conveyed the organization's concern regarding the rapidly escalating situation. Dujarric emphasized in a press statement that Guterres unequivocally stresses the need to avoid further bloodshed and new casualties. The spokesperson added that the UN's message is clear: it calls upon the Iranian authorities to respect freedom of expression and the fundamental right to peaceful assembly, noting that "all individuals should be allowed to demonstrate peacefully and express their demands without fear of repression or targeting.".
This international stance stems from the fundamental principles of human rights guaranteed by international conventions, to which Iran is a party, thus placing legal and moral obligations on the government to deal flexibly with popular demands.
Washington enters the fray: threatening direct intervention
On the other side of the spectrum, the United States adopted a more aggressive and confrontational stance. President Donald Trump warned that his country was closely monitoring the situation and was "ready to act" should Iranian authorities use excessive force or kill protesters. This warning came after reports of six people killed in violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
Through his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump issued a strongly worded message, stating, "If Iran shoots and kills peaceful protesters, the United States will intervene to save them." He added, emphasizing American readiness, "We are prepared and ready to act." This statement reflects the deep rift and lack of trust between Washington and Tehran, and suggests the potential for internationalizing the current crisis, which could open the door to unforeseen scenarios that might affect the stability of the entire region.
Tehran responds: National security is a red line
In response, Tehran was quick to react to the American threats, deeming any foreign interference in its internal affairs a crossing of red lines. Ali Shamkhani, an advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, warned that any American attempt to interfere in the course of the protests would be met with a firm and decisive response.
Shamkhani wrote in a post on the platform X (formerly Twitter): "Iran's national security is a red line, not a subject for reckless tweets." He went on to remind everyone of the long history of conflict between the two countries: "The Iranian people know very well the experience of American 'rescue,'" in a sarcastic reference to Washington's past policies in the region. He concluded his warning with a threatening tone, saying: "Any meddling hand that touches Iran's security under flimsy pretexts will be met with a regrettable response and will be cut off before it can even reach its target.".
Dimensions of the crisis and its regional impacts
These developments are particularly significant given Iran's geopolitical position and its influence on Middle Eastern affairs. While the current protests have a domestic character and focus on economic or political demands, they are rapidly becoming an arena for international rivalries. Observers fear that the escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran could spiral out of control, further exacerbating instability in a region already beset by multiple crises.
The international community is currently focused on prioritizing reason and diplomacy, as the United Nations and other international parties seek to calm the situation and ensure that the country does not slide into a spiral of violence that could have disastrous humanitarian and political repercussions.
