Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the killing of protesters in Iran and called on Tehran to “exercise restraint” amid a violent crackdown on demonstrations. In a joint statement with the leaders of France and Germany, the Prime Minister said he was “deeply concerned about reports of violence by Iranian security forces” and “strongly” condemned the killings.
At least 62 people are reported to have been killed and 2,300 detained during weeks of protests, which were initially sparked by anger over the country’s ailing economy. The Iranian authorities have also shut down internet access and international telephone calls in response to the unrest.
The joint statement urged the Iranian regime to “refrain from violence” and “uphold the fundamental rights of Iran’s citizens”. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch added that the regime was “doing what authoritarian governments always do when they are afraid” by blocking internet access, and accused Tehran of exporting terror and threatening stability abroad.
The protests, which began on 28 December, have become the most significant challenge to the regime in years. Demonstrators have chanted in support of Iran’s pre-revolution leader, the shah, whose son Reza Pahlavi has called for further protests. US President Donald Trump has warned that Tehran would “pay hell” if authorities killed protesters.
