Italy, together with its European partners, is engaged in sustained diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a swift and favourable resolution to the crisis, one that respects the aspirations of the Iranian people and safeguards the lives of its citizens.
Why it matters: As protests continue to fill Iran’s streets, the Islamic Republic’s theocratic regime has intensified violent repression. Italy, alongside the EU and the United States, is sending explicit messages to Tehran aimed at preventing further chaos and bloodshed.
By the numbers: According to the U.S.-based NGO Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the death toll in Iran has reached 544.
- An additional 579 reported deaths are currently under investigation. Of the confirmed fatalities: 483 were protesters, 47 were members of the Iranian military or security forces.
- Eight minors are among the confirmed dead.
- The number of people arrested by state authorities has reportedly reached 10,681.
From Washington. The U.S. military is evaluating “powerful options” for potential intervention in Iran, amid the intensifying violent repression of protesters.
- Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Donald Trump confirmed that multiple intervention scenarios have been presented to him.
- “We are looking at the situation very seriously,” Trump said. “We are considering some very concrete options. We will make a decision.”
From Tehran: “If attacked, we will strike U.S. and Israeli bases.”
The political take. Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani said:
- “I support the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people and call on the authorities to guarantee human rights and fundamental freedoms for all demonstrators, and in any case, to renounce the shame of the death penalty as a repressive measure. My condolences go to those who have lost their lives during the protests.”
