• Islamic regime focused on military programs while economy collapsed

Ziggy Ojiegbe

Global leaders, from the Pope to senior Western officials, have sharply condemned the Iranian government’s violent response to nationwide protests, as reports continue of rising death tolls and mass arrests.

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The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, called for an independent and transparent investigation into reports of killings and widespread arrests during nearly two weeks of demonstrations.

Riots escalate in major cities in Iran as protests turn bloody

He said he was “deeply disturbed” by violence and stressed that those responsible must be held to account in line with international human rights standards.

European Union leaders have also spoken out.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe “fully stands behind” Iranian protesters, condemning the “violent repression of these legitimate demonstrations” and urging the immediate release of detained demonstrators and the restoration of internet access.

She warned that those responsible “will be remembered on the wrong side of history.”

In related comments, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola encouraged Iranians to continue demonstrating, saying “this is your time” and calling for an end to the killing and repression.

She urged EU member states to increase pressure on Tehran to respect fundamental rights.

The leaders of France, the United Kingdom, and Germany jointly condemned the killing of protesters and called on Tehran to exercise restraint, respect freedom of expression, and protect peaceful assembly.

At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV spoke of Iran as a place “where ongoing tensions continue to claim many lives,” expressing hope for dialogue and peace for the common good.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump offered support for the demonstrators on social media, saying “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the bravery of Iranian citizens, saying the world was “in awe of the tremendous heroism of the citizens of Iran” as his war cabinet monitored the unfolding situation.

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu (r) hosts war cabinet meeting in response to threats from Tehran

Iranian authorities have rejected foreign criticism, accusing the United States and Israel of fomenting unrest.

President Masoud Pezeshkian blamed “rioters” directed by foreign powers for creating instability and urged citizens not to side with them, while insisting his government was committed to resolving economic problems.

In response to the growing unrest, the regime has cut internet and phone lines nationwide, a move historically followed by intensified crackdowns. Reports suggest hospitals are overwhelmed with killed and wounded protesters, even as official figures remain difficult to verify due to communication blackouts.

Clashes continued across the country, with security forces tightening their response to the unrest amid one of Iran’s most intense protest movements in years. International condemnation appears to be growing alongside calls for accountability and respect for the rights of peaceful demonstrators.