G7 Condemns Iran's Crackdown on Protests, Threatens Sanctions
In a significant escalation of international tension, foreign ministers from the G7 countries have issued a strong condemnation of the violence against protesters in Iran, indicating their readiness to impose additional restrictive measures should Tehran continue its crackdown.
This statement was released in a joint communiqué by France, the current presidency of the bloc.
The communiqué expressed serious concern over the high number of casualties and injuries, condemning the deliberate use of violence, arbitrary detentions, and intimidation tactics employed by security forces against demonstrators.
Amid these developments, the United States has begun the evacuation of a number of non-essential personnel from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, coinciding with escalating tensions with Iran.
The New York Times reported that U.S. officials stated that the Pentagon has started relocating some of its assets due to the heightened tensions stemming from the Iranian government's actions against protesters, while the U.S. administration considers potential military options.
Domestically, Iranian President Masoud Bezhakian noted that the country is facing "a composite war and increasing pressures," emphasizing the need to regain citizens' trust to alleviate these pressures.
During a cabinet meeting, Bezhakian urged all government institutions to enhance their efforts through proactive planning, preventative measures, and the implementation of multiple solutions to mitigate any negative impacts on citizens across various sectors.
He also highlighted that addressing living conditions and service issues should be a top priority amid both internal and external challenges.
These actions occur at a time of rising tensions in the Middle East between Iran and the United States and other nations, with the international community closely monitoring the protests and their implications for regional and global stability.
