G7 Condemns Iran's Suppression of Protests, Threatens Sanctions
In a recent escalation of international tensions, the foreign ministers of the G7 countries expressed deep concern over the violence against protesters in Iran, emphasizing their readiness to impose further restrictive measures if Tehran continues its crackdown.
This statement was released in a joint declaration, officially published by France, which currently holds the G7 presidency.
The declaration highlighted serious concerns regarding the high number of casualties and injuries, condemning the deliberate use of violence, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation tactics employed by security forces against demonstrators.
In light of these developments, the United States has begun evacuating an unspecified number of non-essential personnel from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar as tensions with Iran rise.
The New York Times reported, citing American officials, that the Pentagon has started repositioning some of its forces due to heightened tensions stemming from the Iranian government's campaign against protesters, while the U.S. administration is considering possible military options.
Domestically, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged that the country is facing "a complex war and increasing pressure," stressing the importance of regaining public trust to mitigate the effects of this pressure.
During a cabinet meeting, he urged all state institutions to intensify their efforts through proactive planning and preventive measures, seeking diverse solutions to minimize negative impacts on citizens across various sectors.
He also emphasized that addressing issues related to living conditions and public services should be a top priority given the internal and external challenges.
These actions come at a time when the Middle East is experiencing rising tensions between Iran and the United States, as well as other countries, while the international community closely monitors the developments of the protests and their implications for regional and global stability.
