Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has praised the courage of Iranian protesters who have taken to the streets in the face of a violent crackdown by the Tehran regime. In a statement, she said those speaking out against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's government should not face 'the threat of violence or reprisals'.
Dozens of people have been killed and thousands detained as the Iranian state attempts to quell mass protests that began on 28 December. The unrest, initially sparked by anger over the country's ailing economy, has become the most significant challenge to the regime in several years.
In London, a protester scaled the Iranian embassy and tore down the country's flag, replacing it with the pre-revolution lion and sun emblem. Scotland Yard confirmed two arrests: one for aggravated trespass and assault on an emergency worker, and one for aggravated trespass.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement on Friday calling on Iranian authorities to show restraint. US President Donald Trump also commented on Truth Social, saying 'Iran is looking at FREEDOM' and that 'the USA stands ready to help'.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 62 people have been killed and 2,300 detained. Iran's leaders have shut down internet access and international telephone calls, and the country's attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, warned that anyone taking part in protests will be considered an 'enemy of God', an offence carrying the death penalty.
