New York, Jan. 15, 2026 (NAN) UN Assistant Secretary-Basic Martha Pobee on Thursday urged motion to forestall escalation as nationwide protests in Iran appeared to ease after practically three weeks of unrest.
Pobee spoke whereas briefing an emergency Safety Council assembly in New York, convened by america to handle the Iranian disaster.
She described the scenario as “fluid and deeply regarding”, noting that protests continued, “albeit reportedly at a smaller scale than final week”.
Pobee warned towards public statements suggesting potential army strikes on Iran, saying such rhetoric heightened dangers.
“This exterior dimension provides volatility to an already flamable scenario. All efforts should be undertaken to forestall any additional deterioration,” she mentioned.
UN Secretary-Basic António Guterres believes issues over Iran, together with nuclear points and protests, are “finest addressed by way of diplomacy and dialogue”.
He urged “most restraint at this delicate second” and known as on all actors to keep away from actions that would trigger additional deaths or regional escalation.
Protests erupted on Dec. 28 after Tehran shopkeepers demonstrated towards foreign money collapse, hovering inflation and worsening dwelling circumstances.
The unrest unfold nationwide, changing into the biggest anti-government protests since these sparked by Jina Amini’s dying in custody in Sept. 2022.
Authorities imposed a near-total communications blackout, whereas a whole lot, probably 1000’s, have been reportedly killed and over 18,000 detained, figures unverified by the UN.
Pobee mentioned Iran’s authorities claimed it acted towards “organised terrorists” and “rioters” accused of infiltrating protests and frightening international intervention.
The UN chief expressed deep concern over reported extreme power and reaffirmed rights to free expression, affiliation and peaceable meeting.
Iranian journalist, Masih Alinejad, instructed the Council that “actual and concrete motion” was wanted to convey justice for these ordering massacres.
Human rights activist, Ahmad Batebi, recounted his arrest as a pupil protester, dying sentence, torture and compelled confession as a paid American spy.
U.S. Ambassador, Mike Waltz, mentioned Iran’s repression “has repercussions for worldwide peace and safety” and pledged U.S. help for Iranian protesters.
He mentioned the regime alone was answerable for financial distress and repression, including it could be held accountable.
Iran’s deputy envoy, Gholamhossein Darzi, denounced the civil society briefers, accusing them of serving U.S. and Israeli political agendas.
He accused america of “lies, distortions of info and deliberate disinformation” to hide its alleged function in fuelling violence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
