Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, likened recent anti-government protests to a “coup” and warned that any US military deployment in the Middle East following Washington’s interventions would trigger a regional war. Tehran has acknowledged over 3,000 deaths during the demonstrations but insists most were security force members or protesters. Rights groups accuse Iran of killing thousands.
In response, the European Union listed the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, with Iran retaliating by doing the same to European armies. This decision was held to have only increased domestic support for the IRGC.
Fearing potential military action from both sides, Firouzeh, a 43-year-old homemaker, said the recent tensions had left her “very worried and scared.” The Iranian government’s spokesman, Ahmad Vahidi, claimed foreign media aimed to create a “war atmosphere,” while Kayhan daily ran the headline “West Asia, Iran’s home and America’s graveyard.”
Despite this escalating tension, both sides continue to engage in diplomatic efforts. President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran said he is ready for nuclear talks if missile and defence capabilities are not on the agenda. Qatar’s foreign minister also tried to de-escalate tensions by holding talks with Iran.
US President Donald Trump maintained his belief that a nuclear deal with Iran could prevent military action, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the region’s interest in avoiding war.