TEHRAN: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and ensure access to information, his spokesperson said at the weekend.
“The Secretary-General urges the Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force,” spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
He also urged measures to restore access to information in the country, including the reinstatement of communications, the statement added.
Widespread protests in Iran have intensified, driven by rising prices and growing discontent with the country’s leadership, as Tehran warned the United States against any interference.
The demonstrations, which began in late December, have spread across major cities including Tehran and Mashhad, with social media footage showing large crowds marching at night, chanting slogans, and clashing with security forces. Iranian authorities have accused the US and Israel of fueling unrest, while calling for nationwide rallies to condemn “terrorist actions led by the United States and Israel.”
The protests have occurred amid a near-total internet blackout in the country, limiting independent verification of events. The unrest comes less than a year after the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict, leaving Tehran still recovering from military and regional setbacks.
President Masoud Pezeshkian denounced the protests as acts orchestrated by external enemies, urging families to keep children away from the demonstrations. Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf threatened that U.S. and Israeli military assets could be targeted in the event of an attack on Iran.
In the United States, President Donald Trump said he was monitoring the situation closely and would discuss options with senior advisers, including cyber operations, sanctions, and support for opposition groups. Trump also indicated plans to consult with Elon Musk on restoring internet access through Starlink.
