Nationwide protests continued across Iran as demonstrators have taken to the streets for the 18th day in a row, marking one of the most sustained challenges to the country’s leadership in years. The unrest, which began in late December 2025 amid skyrocketing inflation and economic hardship, has spread to dozens of cities and provinces and prompted a near total internet blackout that has severely limited communications inside the country. Activist groups report that more than 2,600 people have died in the government’s crackdown on protesters so far.
In response to the ongoing violence, the United States announced sanctions targeting senior Iranian officials and entities involved in suppressing the demonstrations. Treasury officials said the measures were intended to hold those responsible accountable and to restrict their access to international financial systems. President Donald Trump reiterated U.S. support for the Iranian people’s right to peaceful protest and urged an end to the violence.
Trump also said he had received reports — from sources he described as reliable — that the killing of protesters in Iran had eased and that planned executions had been shelved, although independent verification of these claims was not immediately available. He emphasized that Washington would continue to monitor the situation closely and said the U.S. remained prepared to act if the Iranian government resumed harsh repression.
The United Nations Security Council scheduled an emergency session to review the crisis at the request of the United States, reflecting growing international concern over the widespread unrest and the government’s heavy handed response.
The protests have also drawn attention from countries in the Middle East, with several Arab governments expressing cautious optimism about the easing of tensions between Tehran and Washington — though concerns remain about the potential for further escalation in the region.
Arab Diplomacy Played Key Role in Defusing US‑Iran Tensions, Officials Say
By Media Team
