Iran’s capital, Tehran, and other major cities are witnessing a surge in government-backed protests, with demonstrators taking to the streets of Tehran and Mashhad overnight. According to human rights groups, the protests have spread to over 100 cities across all 31 provinces in Iran, resulting in the deaths of at least 47 people and the arrest of nearly 2,500 protesters.
In a televised address, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, appealed to the nation to maintain unity and solidarity, warning that some elements are trying to damage public property to please US President Donald Trump. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that President Trump should be aware that Iran will not tolerate criminal attacks on public property.
In a stern warning, Khamenei told Trump to focus on his country’s issues, adding that Iran will not tolerate foreign powers operating in its territory. Iran also demanded that the United Nations protect its sovereignty and prevent interference, calling US statements on its internal affairs “interference and deception.”
In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said that US statements are not in the interest of the people, but rather an attempt to fuel unrest and violence. The ministry emphasized that peaceful protests under the law will be respected, and legitimate public demands will be addressed within the legal framework.
The US has failed to lift sanctions on Iran, with only four countries voting to block new sanctions. Iran’s Foreign Ministry attributed the country’s economic woes to “unlawful and inhumane” US sanctions, adding that the US is waging a “psychological and media war” against Iran.
Prior to this, US President Trump had announced that the US has the authority to order military attacks or invasions on any country in the world. In response, Trump stated that he will make a decision on Iran based on its internal situation, warning that if people are killed in Iran, the US will intervene.
Shia Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nizar Al-Hajj Ahmad, accused Israel of occupying several areas in Syria, making it impossible for the country to join the Abraham Accords. US President Trump announced that he is considering investment of up to $100 billion in Venezuela.
France, the UK, and Germany have condemned the deaths of protesters in Iran. The revelation came in a recent tax filing, marking the first time that details of their 2021 divorce have been made public.
Iran’s ambassador to the US stated that the US is entering an era of extreme provocation and irrationality, adding that the Iranian nation will defeat any conspiracy. Pakistani politician, Talal Chaudhry, has become the unopposed candidate for the upcoming election on February 12.
Pope Francis criticized the international community for prioritizing power over diplomacy, stating that countries are resorting to force rather than dialogue. A severe storm swept through the UK, bringing 99 mph winds and heavy snow. The storm left over 57,000 homes and hundreds of schools without power.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed skepticism about the US military’s plan to take control of Greenland, stating that the US would have to resort to military action.
