World News
Iran Protest: Death Toll Rise As Policeman, 48 Others Killed
An Iranian police officer has been killed during ongoing nationwide protests, as human rights groups report that over 48 demonstrators have also lost their lives since the unrest began late last month.
Local media said the officer, identified as Shahin Dehghan, was fatally stabbed while attempting to contain disturbances in Malard county, west of Tehran. His death brings the number of security personnel reportedly killed since the protests erupted on December 28 to at least 14, according to independent rights monitors.
The demonstrations, now in their 12th day, were initially triggered by protests in Tehran over soaring prices and the sharp collapse of Iran’s currency. They have since spread to at least 25 of the country’s 31 provinces, evolving into one of the most significant protest movements Iran has witnessed since the 2022–2023 unrest following the death of Mahsa Amini.
Rising Death Toll, Limited Verification
The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) says at least 48 protesters have been killed so far, while Norway-based Iran Human Rights places the figure at 51, including nine children. Iranian authorities, however, have confirmed only six deaths among security forces and have not provided an official civilian casualty figure.
Independent verification remains difficult. Most international media organisations are barred from operating inside Iran, and authorities imposed a near-total internet shutdown on Thursday night. Despite this, BBC Persian has confirmed the identities of 22 people who have died during the protests.
Khamenei Condemns Protesters
In a televised address, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the protesters as “vandals” acting to satisfy the interests of the United States and former President Donald Trump.
He accused demonstrators of destroying public property to “please the president of the US,” rejecting Washington’s statements of support for the protests. Khamenei said Trump’s record disqualified him from claiming concern for Iranians, accusing him of having “Iranian blood” on his hands following last year’s conflict with Israel.
Khamenei warned that the Islamic Republic, which he said was founded through immense sacrifice, would not retreat in the face of what he described as foreign-backed unrest.
Internet Shutdown and ‘Tiered Access’
While domestic internet access remains heavily restricted, Khamenei’s English-language account on X (formerly Twitter) has continued to post statements, reigniting debate about unequal internet access within Iran. Previous disclosures suggested that senior officials and state-linked media figures access banned platforms without VPNs, fuelling claims of a “tiered internet” system.
Economic Crisis Deepens
The protests come amid a worsening economic situation. On Thursday, the US dollar traded above 1.4 million rials on the unofficial market, while the euro surpassed 1.7 million rials, reflecting the rapid depreciation of the national currency.
Iranian officials have acknowledged the economic grievances driving the demonstrations but have warned against what they call “rioting,” pledging a decisive response to any attempt to destabilise the country. State media have reported multiple arrests, though no official figures have been released.
International Reactions
Iran’s foreign ministry has condemned comments from US officials and lawmakers supporting the protests, describing them as “meddlesome and deceptive.” The statement followed remarks by US Senator Lindsey Graham, who publicly backed Iranian protesters and warned Khamenei of consequences if killings continued.
Former President Donald Trump also warned Tehran that it would “get hit very hard” if further demonstrators were killed.
Iranian authorities rejected the US stance, accusing Washington of exploiting the unrest to advance its long-standing “maximum pressure” strategy and blaming American sanctions for much of the country’s economic hardship.
As protests continue, Iran’s leadership faces mounting pressure from a population grappling with economic collapse, international isolation and tightening internal controls.
North Korea fired at least two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan on Tuesday, Japanese and South Korean authorities confirmed, marking the country’s second missile test this month.
The launch came a day after a senior Pentagon official visited Seoul and praised South Korea as Washington’s “model ally.”
The Japanese Coast Guard, citing the Ministry of Defence, reported that the missiles were detected heading toward the Sea of Japan and landed outside Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff similarly confirmed that multiple ballistic missiles were fired toward the East Sea.
Analysts say Pyongyang has stepped up missile testing in recent years to enhance its precision strike capabilities, challenge Washington and Seoul, and evaluate weapons for potential export to Russia.
The tests follow increased military tensions on the peninsula, including joint US-South Korea exercises, which North Korea regularly condemns as preparations for invasion. Last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticized South Korea’s plan to develop nuclear-powered submarines with US support, describing it as a “threat” that must be countered.
The missile launches underscore ongoing regional security concerns, as the United States continues to station approximately 28,500 troops in South Korea to deter aggression from the nuclear-armed North.
United States President Donald Trump has warned Canada that it will face a sweeping 100 per cent tariff on all exports to the United States if it proceeds with a proposed trade agreement with China, escalating already strained relations between the two North American neighbours.
The warning followed recent comments by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who during a visit to Beijing last week announced what he described as a “new strategic partnership” with China, resulting in a preliminary trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs. Trump reacted sharply, cautioning that any move positioning Canada as a gateway for Chinese goods into the US market would attract severe economic consequences.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Canada would be “sorely mistaken” if it believed it could serve as a transit hub for Chinese products entering the United States. He further claimed that China would “completely devour” Canada’s economy, businesses and social fabric if such a deal were pursued. According to him, the conclusion of a Canada–China trade pact would trigger an immediate 100 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods crossing into the US.
Trump also referred to Carney as “Governor,” a recurring jibe reflecting his repeated suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States. The US president recently amplified that rhetoric by sharing a social media image depicting Canada, Greenland and Venezuela covered by the American flag.
Diplomatic tensions have intensified in recent days following Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he warned of a “rupture” in the US-led global order, remarks widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of Trump’s foreign policy posture. Trump responded a day later with a speech of his own and subsequently withdrew an invitation previously extended to Carney to join his so-called “Board of Peace,” an initiative initially framed around post-war Gaza but now seen as having broader ambitions.
Trump went further by asserting that Canada’s survival depends on the United States, telling Carney to “remember that” when making public statements. The Canadian prime minister rejected the claim, responding that Canada does not exist because of the United States but thrives because of its own national identity, while still acknowledging the longstanding partnership between both countries.
The dispute comes against the backdrop of deep economic interdependence. More than 75 per cent of Canadian exports are destined for the US market, making Canada particularly vulnerable to trade disruptions. Key sectors such as automobiles, aluminum and steel have already been affected by Trump’s global tariffs, though the impact has been partially softened by existing North American free trade arrangements.
Negotiations to revise the current trade framework are expected to begin later this year, with Trump repeatedly insisting that the United States does not require Canadian products—an assertion that analysts warn could have far-reaching consequences for Canada’s economy.
Despite the rising tensions, the United States, Canada and Mexico are jointly scheduled to host the World Cup later this year, underscoring the complexity of a relationship increasingly defined by sharp rhetoric alongside enduring economic and logistical cooperation.
Turkey, Saudi Arabia and several other predominantly Muslim nations have agreed to join the United States–backed Gaza “Board of Peace,” following an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Turkey and Saudi Arabia, alongside their counterparts from Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, confirmed their countries’ collective decision to participate in the initiative. Egypt and Pakistan had earlier announced their involvement separately.
The ministers reiterated their commitment to supporting the mandate of the Board of Peace as a transitional administrative authority for the Gaza Strip. They said the board’s mission is outlined in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and has received backing through United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.
So far, invitations have been extended to 60 countries as part of what is described as the second phase of President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, much of which has been devastated by the prolonged conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
However, several European countries, including Germany and France, have adopted a cautious stance toward the initiative.
Diplomats familiar with the board’s charter have described it as a direct challenge to the United Nations, an institution President Trump has frequently criticised as ineffective. There are also indications that the U.S. administration may seek to broaden the board’s scope beyond Gaza to address global crises and conflicts.
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