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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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 2 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Denmark’s Social Democratic leader Mette Frederiksen said on Monday (1 June) she has agreed to form a new centre-left coalition government, securing a third consecutive term as prime minister amid heightened diplomatic tensions with the United States over Greenland.
Iran really wanted to make a deal with the U.S. and that it would be a good one for Washington and its allies, President Donald Trump said on Monday.
Okinawa lost transport links and suffered widespread power outages on Monday (1 June) as Severe Tropical Storm Jangmi brought destructive winds and heavy rain to Japan's south-western islands.
Competing narratives continue to shape perceptions of the war in Ukraine, with Russian leadership suggesting a possible end phase while Ukrainian officials warn of renewed large-scale attacks and ongoing escalation risks.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held talks with Lebanese President and Israeli Prime Minister on efforts to ease tensions between Israel and Lebanon. According to a U.S. official, Washington has proposed a plan aimed at achieving a gradual de-escalation of hostilities.
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Unsealed records from the U.S. Department of Justice have renewed scrutiny of lawyer Robert Amsterdam after documents revealed communications between his law firm and Jeffrey Epstein's office. The disclosures have drawn attention because of Amsterdam's prominent role in Armenia.
China’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, has met Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, in Islamabad to discuss the China-facilitated Urumqi Process and regional security concerns.
International organisations, investors, environmental experts and business representatives gathered in Samarkand for the opening of Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, one of the region's largest environmental events focused on green growth, climate resilience and sustainable development.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said Yerevan remains committed to normalising relations with Azerbaijan and Türkiye, expressing confidence that decades of regional hostility will eventually give way to lasting stability.
Kazakhstan has restored oil production after an accident at the Tengiz oil field briefly disrupted output last week, while also signalling its readiness to increase crude shipments through the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline.
Baku has once again become a focal point for international energy diplomacy, investment and strategic cooperation, as Baku Energy Week brings together policymakers, industry leaders and investors from around the world.
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