The European Union and the United States are weighing further sanctions against Iran in response to the violent suppression of protests that erupted after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned Iran's disproportionate use of force and stated that all options would be considered at the next meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers, including measures to prevent internet shutdowns and additional economic penalties.
The protests, now in their tenth day, have seen demonstrators calling for greater Western support and assistance in communicating with the outside world amid a government-imposed internet blackout. More than 75 people have been killed in the crackdown, according to a rights group, although Iran's official death toll stands at 41, including several security forces members.
Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX, has offered to introduce Starlink satellite internet service in Iran to bypass censorship, but the service requires terminals inside the country, which the Iranian government is unlikely to permit. The EU is also exploring ways to encourage software companies to sign the Copenhagen pledge on tech for democracy, aimed at keeping the internet open and free.
Iran's foreign ministry summoned the ambassadors of the UK and Norway in protest at their stance, while the head of the Iranian judiciary issued stronger warnings about punishments for protesters. In the US, Republican senators have called for withdrawal from nuclear deal negotiations, but National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan refused to link the protests to the talks, emphasising the goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Protesters inside Iran have urged the West to impose sanctions and help amplify their message. One 25-year-old protester said, 'The people of Iran have woken up, the regime cannot censor our voices. Global leaders should come up and help Iranian people.' A 23-year-old female protester added, 'We need help to be heard as they shut down the internet... we will fight and come out daily to throw this regime out.'
