US support for Iran protests continues

Protests that began in Tehran and expanded following high inflation and the devaluation of the currency have spread to many major cities across Iran. During the protests, which saw millions of people take to the streets, the Iranian government cut off the internet to block communication.

According to information provided by human rights organizations, at least 48 people have lost their lives during the protests. Additionally, 14 security personnel have died as a result of the clashes. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), 2,277 people have been arrested in the protests since December 28. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights organization stated that 51 protesters, including nine children, have lost their lives.

HARSH STATEMENTS FROM THE US

US President Donald Trump, in a statement at the White House, said they are monitoring the situation in Iran closely and emphasized that his administration's potential involvement would not mean the "deployment of ground troops." Trump clarified the US stance on the matter by saying, "We will hit them very hard at their most sensitive points."

RUBIO EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR IRANIAN PROTESTERS

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also reiterated his support for the protesters in Iran in a statement on the social media platform X, saying, "The United States supports the brave people in Iran."

KHAMENEI: "WE WILL FIGHT AGAINST DESTRUCTIVE ELEMENTS"

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement yesterday, "The Islamic Republic was founded with the blood of hundreds of thousands of honorable people, and we will not take a step back against those who deny this." Khamenei emphasized that his country would continue to fight against "destructive elements" and would be resolute in doing so. The Iranian National Security Council, meanwhile, labeled the protesters as "armed vandals" and "disturbers of peace and security," stating that "decisive and necessary legal actions" would be taken against these individuals.

CONDEMNATION OF IRAN FROM EUROPE

The leaders of Britain, Germany, and France also issued a joint statement expressing their concerns regarding the use of violence by security forces in Iran. The three countries strongly condemned the killing of protesters and called on Iranian authorities to respect their people's freedom of expression. French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated in their joint declaration, "Iranian authorities have a responsibility to protect their own people and must allow freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of retaliation."

News Source: 12punto