Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday (21 February) dismissed U.S. claims that 32,000 civilians were killed during protests in Iran. He said Tehran has already released official figures and called for evidence to support any higher estimates.
"You know, the people of Iran are a lot different than the leaders of Iran, and it's very, very, very sad situation," U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday, adding that 32,000 people were killed in Iran over a "relatively short period of time."
In remarks through U.S. social media company X, Araghchi said Tehran had already fulfilled its “pledge of full transparency” by publishing an official list documenting 3,117 victims of what he described as “recent terrorist operations,” including around 200 security personnel.
He added that “if anyone disputes accuracy of our data, please share any evidence.”
The U.S.-based group HRANA, which monitors the human rights situation in Iran, has recorded 7,114 verified deaths and says it has another 11,700 under review.
The dispute over protest deaths comes as tensions escalate between Washington and Tehran.
Trump said Thursday that the United States would consider military action within 10 to 15 days if nuclear negotiations fail.
Two U.S. officials told Reuters that military planning had reached an advanced stage, with options ranging from targeted strikes to potential leadership change in Tehran.
Asked Friday whether he was considering a limited strike, Trump said: “I guess I can say I am considering.” He later added: “They better negotiate a fair deal.”
Araghchi warned that military action would complicate diplomatic efforts but said a deal remained possible “in a very short period of time.”
He confirmed that Iran is preparing a draft counterproposal that could be ready within days, following indirect talks in Geneva with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff under Omani mediation.
He said discussions focused on ensuring Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful, including enrichment activities, in exchange for sanctions relief and confidence-building measures. The White House reiterated that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons or enrich uranium.
Trump also claimed his recent threats prevented Iranian authorities from carrying out mass executions, saying Tehran had planned to hang 837 people. That claim has not been independently verified.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has increased its military presence in the Persian Gulf, while Iran has conducted military drills, raising fears of broader regional escalation.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations, urged both sides to continue diplomacy to resolve their differences.
Oil prices fell after the U.S. expanded economic sanctions on Iran, as Tehran vowed to retaliate and warned it had tools to respond, raising concer...
Kyiv has recently received a small number of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors capable of downing Russian ballistic miss...
Country music legend Dolly Parton, whose songs, unmistakable style and warmth made her one of America’s most enduring entertainers, has died ...
Oil prices fell after the U.S. expanded economic sanctions on Iran, as Tehran vowed to retaliate and warned it had tools to respond, raising concerns over potential disruption to regional oil supplies.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that Kyiv wants peace but will not surrender to Russia, as foreign leaders joined Independence Day events marking 35 years since Ukraine’s independence.
Kyiv has recently received a small number of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors capable of downing Russian ballistic missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. It comes as Britain and France pledged stronger military support for Ukraine.
Only four commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, following 13 transits a day earlier, as disruptions continue to restrict traffic through the key energy chokepoint.
A newly created pro-government political party has secured a commanding victory in Kazakhstan's snap parliamentary election, according to exit polls, strengthening President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's influence at a pivotal moment in the country's political transition.
Türkiye has established four sub-commissions to oversee the implementation of a new legal framework tied to the disarmament of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Central Asia is moving beyond experiments with digital assets as governments begin putting new forms of digital money into practice.
Parents in Gaza are being urged to stop their children flying kites after Israel threatened tougher military action over those drifting across the border.
Armenia is “free” to leave the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said. He made the remarks after Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he would be “very pleased” if the Russian-led military alliance expelled Armenia.
Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee has disclosed details of a criminal case involving former President Robert Kocharyan, saying he and five other people - including his son - have been detained as part of a corruption investigation.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment