Deaths linked to nationwide protests in Iran have risen to more than 500, according to a U.S.-based rights group HRANA, as Tehran warned it would retaliate against U.S. military targets if Washington intervenes.
HRANA said it had verified the deaths of 490 protesters and 48 security personnel during two weeks of unrest, citing activists inside and outside Iran. More than 10,600 people have been arrested. Iranian authorities have not released an official toll, and the figures could not be independently confirmed.
The protests began on 28 December over rising prices and quickly turned into broader demonstrations against Iran’s clerical leadership, the biggest since 2022.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned of possible U.S. action if force is used against protesters. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump is due to be briefed this week on options that include military strikes, cyber operations, tougher sanctions and online support for opposition groups.
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf cautioned Washington against what he called a ‘miscalculation’, saying any attack on Iran would make U.S. bases, ships and Israel legitimate targets.
Israel, which fought a 12-day war with Iran last year alongside limited U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, has raised its alert level. Israeli officials say they view the protests as an internal Iranian issue but are monitoring developments closely and are ready to respond if needed.
President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran’s enemies were behind the unrest, accusing them of bringing in ‘terrorists’ who attacked mosques, banks and public property. He urged families to keep young people away from violence, while saying the government was ready to listen to public grievances and address economic problems.
Opposition figures abroad have urged Iranians to keep protesting. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, praised what he called the courage of protesters, while Maryam Rajavi of the National Council of Resistance of Iran said demonstrators were reshaping the country’s political landscape.
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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.
U.S. President Donald Trump has again said Iran is keen to reach a deal quickly, but a senior Iranian security official rejected the claim, saying Tehran will not negotiate until its conditions are met.
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Tuesday. Russia accused Denmark of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” near its ship, and said it was investigating the incident.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security, support for Ukraine, trade with China, migration, climate and artificial intelligence.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks by the Iran-aligned group deepen regional tensions.
Wednesday's session of the 24th Arab Media Summit in Dubai has shifted the discussion towards a central question for modern media: how can regional news organisations tell their own stories while reaching audiences far beyond their borders?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept drones and had recorded a successful hit overnight.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security, support for Ukraine, trade with China, migration, climate and artificial intelligence.
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 16 September 2026. These are the top five stories making headlines in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
Russia will hold parliamentary elections from 18 to 20 September 2026, the country's first State Duma vote since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
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