Sir Keir Starmer has denounced the killing of protesters in Iran, calling on Tehran to 'exercise restraint' amid a violent crackdown on anti-regime demonstrations. In a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Prime Minister expressed 'deep concern about reports of violence by Iranian security forces' and 'strongly' condemned the deaths of demonstrators.
The unrest, which began on 28 December, has led to at least 48 deaths and 2,300 detentions, according to reports. Iranian authorities have also cut internet access and international telephone communications in an effort to stifle dissent. The three leaders urged Iran to 'refrain from violence' and uphold the fundamental rights of its citizens.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also criticised the regime, accusing it of 'doing what authoritarian governments always do when they are afraid' by blocking internet access. She stated: 'A regime that represses its own people, crushes rights and strips away basic freedoms is the same regime that exports terror, funds extremism and threatens stability far beyond its borders.'
The protests, initially fuelled by economic grievances, have become the most significant challenge to Iran's leadership in years. Demonstrators have chanted in support of the pre-revolutionary shah, whose son Reza Pahlavi has called for further action. US President Donald Trump has warned that Tehran would 'pay hell' if authorities killed protesters, adding to international pressure on the regime.
