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.
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A Kyiv-Warsaw train was struck near the Polish border, Ukraine's state railway firm said on Sunday. No passengers were injured. Ukrainian Railways said that the country's railways were facing systematic attacks for a second day and warned of widespread delays.
U.S. Central Command said 101 commercial vessels have been redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose more than three per cent amid fresh regional attacks and supply concerns.
A Russian strike on a farm warehouse in Pryluky, north-central Ukraine, has killed at least three people, local police said. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said an attack on a train near the Polish border was an attempt to intimidate Ukraine's allies.
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Syria says it has taken major steps to resolve long-running concerns over its nuclear programme, marking what officials describe as the beginning of a new phase of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Georgia has been formally integrated into the European Union's Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), bringing Anaklia Deep-Sea Port, Georgian Railway's main line and the East-West Highway into the network's expanded framework.
Türkiye’s foreign minister has renewed calls for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to disarm and disband, during talks with Syrian officials in Damascus.
Pakistan is providing targeted relief to millions of people after a sharp rise in global oil prices pushed domestic petrol and diesel prices higher, with disruption around two major Middle East shipping routes adding pressure to the country’s energy supply chain.
The European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have launched a $5.7 million initiative in Afghanistan to help farmers reach markets, strengthen agribusinesses and withstand climate and economic shocks.
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