The United Nations has called for urgent action to prevent further escalation as nationwide protests in Iran appeared to ease after nearly three weeks of unrest.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobee made the call on Thursday while briefing an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in New York, convened by the United States to discuss the crisis in Iran.
Pobee described the situation as “fluid and deeply concerning,” noting that protests were still ongoing, though reportedly at a smaller scale than in previous weeks.
She cautioned against public statements suggesting possible military action against Iran, warning that such rhetoric could worsen tensions.
“This external dimension adds volatility to an already combustible situation. All efforts must be undertaken to prevent any further deterioration,” Pobee said.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, said issues surrounding Iran — including nuclear concerns and domestic protests — were best resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could lead to more deaths or regional instability.
Protests began on Dec. 28, after shopkeepers in Tehran demonstrated against currency depreciation, rising inflation and deteriorating living conditions. The unrest later spread across the country, becoming the largest anti-government protests since demonstrations sparked by the death of Jina Amini in police custody in September 2022.
Authorities imposed a near-total communications blackout, while reports indicate that hundreds, possibly thousands, were killed and more than 18,000 people detained, although the figures have not been independently verified by the UN.
Pobee said the Iranian government claimed its actions were directed at “organised terrorists” and “rioters,” whom it accused of hijacking protests and seeking foreign intervention.
Guterres expressed concern over reports of excessive use of force and reaffirmed the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
Addressing the Council, Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad called for concrete international action to hold those responsible for alleged abuses accountable. Human rights activist Ahmad Batebi also testified, recounting his arrest, death sentence, torture and forced confession during past protests.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz said Iran’s repression had implications for international peace and security, pledging continued U.S. support for Iranian protesters and blaming the government for the country’s economic hardship.
Iran’s deputy envoy, Gholamhossein Darzi, rejected the claims, accusing civil society speakers of promoting U.S. and Israeli political agendas. He alleged that the United States was spreading misinformation to mask its role in fuelling unrest.