Iranian authorities have vowed to swiftly prosecute and punish anti-government protesters as unrest continues across the country, while US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would take “very strong action” if Tehran carries out executions.
Human rights groups say more than 2,400 anti-government demonstrators have been killed in a violent crackdown since protests erupted earlier this month. Iranian officials have warned that those arrested in recent days are considered guilty of waging an “internal war” against the regime.
The atmosphere in Tehran remains “extremely heavy and tense,” according to reports, as authorities staged a regime-led funeral procession on Wednesday to mourn members of the security forces and civilians whom the government claims were killed during the unrest.
President Trump’s warning came amid growing regional anxiety. As a precaution, some personnel have reportedly been advised to leave the US military’s Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts around 10,000 American troops. Doha said the move was in response to “current regional tensions.”
In a statement, Qatar’s International Media Office said the country “continues to implement all necessary measures to safeguard the security and safety of its citizens and residents as a top priority.”
Since protests broke out on January 8, Iranian authorities have imposed a near-total nationwide internet shutdown, severely restricting the flow of information. International media organisations remain barred from reporting inside Iran, making independent verification difficult.
The United Kingdom condemned what it described as a “violent crackdown” on protesters and said it was coordinating with allies on further sanctions, according to reports by Al Jazeera, BBC and CNN.
Bangladeshis in Iran safe
Bangladeshi nationals currently residing in Iran are safe and remain in contact with the Bangladesh Embassy in Tehran, sources at the foreign ministry said.
The embassy has advised Bangladeshi citizens to stay indoors and avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. A foreign ministry official said communication has been difficult due to severe internet and international direct dialing (ISD) restrictions in Iran.
“We managed a brief telephone conversation on Monday through the Iranian embassy in Dhaka. On Tuesday, Iranian authorities briefly opened ISD lines, allowing us to contact our embassy,” the official said.
Several hundred Bangladeshis live in Iran, most of them outside Tehran. Only a small number of professionals and students reside in the capital, the official added.
Russia and China reject outside interference
China and Russia have both rejected any external interference in Iran’s internal affairs following Trump’s warning.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing supports Iran’s efforts to maintain stability and opposes the use or threat of force in international relations.
“China supports and hopes that the Iranian government and people can overcome the current difficulties and safeguard national stability,” she said, adding that Beijing does not support outside intervention.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow would continue working with Tehran despite threats of attacks or tariffs from the United States. Speaking in Moscow, Lavrov said no external power could alter the nature of Russia-Iran ties and accused Washington of undermining the global order.
“Our American colleagues look unreliable when they act in this way,” Lavrov said.
UK pushes new sanctions as Turkey seeks talks
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned what he called the “sickening repression and murder of protesters in Iran,” telling parliament that the UK was working with partners on additional punitive measures.
“We’ve called out this brutality face to face, we’re working with allies on further sanctions and doing all we can to protect UK nationals,” Starmer said.
Meanwhile, Turkey has opened channels with both Tehran and Washington in an attempt to revive negotiations. A regional diplomatic source told CNN that talks were moving slowly and warned it may already be “too late” to prevent further escalation.
Israel urges EU to blacklist IRGC
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has urged France to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation within the European Union.
In a post on X, Saar said such a move would “send a clear message to the Iranian people.”
The IRGC, established after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, operates alongside Iran’s regular army and answers directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It plays a central role in Iran’s defence strategy and regional operations.
India asks citizens to leave Iran
India has advised its nationals to leave Iran, citing an “evolving situation.” The Indian embassy in Tehran urged citizens to remain highly vigilant and avoid protest areas.
Several other countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia, have issued similar advisories amid fears of escalating violence.
