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UN Human Rights Council to hold emergency session on Iran

The unrest has sparked international concern over the use of excessive force and widespread violations of human rights.

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The U.N. Human Rights Council will hold an emergency session on Iran this Friday to address “alarming violence” against protesters, according to a document seen by Reuters.

The protests, the largest since nationwide demonstrations in 2022, have resulted in at least 5,000 confirmed deaths, according to Iranian authorities. The unrest has sparked international concern over the use of excessive force and widespread violations of human rights.

U.N. rights chief Volker Turk has condemned the crackdown, calling it a serious violation of international law.

In a letter seen by Reuters, Iceland’s ambassador Einar Gunnarsson, representing a group of countries including Germany and Britain, said a special session is necessary due to “credible reports of alarming violence, crackdowns on protesters, and violations of international human rights law across the country.”

The U.N. confirmed the session will take place Friday, with 21 countries backing the proposal so far.

Human Rights Watch has denounced mass unlawful killings and urged the U.N. to expand its 2022 investigation into Iranian protests with additional funding to ensure accountability.

Iran’s diplomatic mission has not immediately responded to requests by Reuters for comment. Diplomats say Iran has sent rebuttals to U.N. missions, claiming the clashes followed armed attacks on security forces.

Glenn Payot of Impact Iran, a coalition of 19 NGOs, told Reuters the session will send a “message to Iranian authorities that the bloodshed and the suppression of dissenting voices must stop, that they are under watch.”

“It is also an opportunity for the international community to show support for the rights of all Iranians to protest peacefully and express their voices without fear of reprisals,” Payot added.

The protests in Iran reflect long-standing grievances. Previous demonstrations in 2022 were met with violent crackdowns, leaving hundreds dead and thousands detained.

The U.N.’s emergency session underscores the growing international alarm over Iran’s handling of dissent and the broader implications for human rights in the region.

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Mojtaba Khamenei: Iran’s neighbors must close all U.S. bases

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Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new leader, said on Thursday that Iran’s neighbors must close all U.S. bases on their territory, as Tehran will continue its attacks against them.

In his first statement, broadcast and read out by state television, Khamenei told the Iranian people: “I assure everyone that we will not neglect avenging ‌the blood of your martyrs.”

He added: “The popular demand is to continue our effective defence and make the enemy regret! The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used.”

However, state television did not explain why Khamenei’s first remarks were read by a presenter rather than delivered in a video.

No images of him have yet been released since the strike that killed his father, Ali Khamenei.

In these remarks, Mojtaba Khamenei also confirmed that his wife, sister, and other family members were killed.

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Up to 3.2 million displaced inside Iran as conflict escalates, UNHCR says

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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says up to 3.2 million people have been displaced inside Iran since the conflict that erupted on February 28, warning that the humanitarian situation is rapidly worsening.

In a statement released Thursday, the UN refugee agency said the figure is based on preliminary assessments of uprooted households and could rise further if hostilities continue.

“This number is likely to increase as fighting persists, signaling a troubling escalation in humanitarian needs,” UNHCR said.

The agency noted that many of the displaced have fled their homes in search of safety, often moving to nearby provinces or staying with relatives and host communities. Others have sought temporary shelter in public buildings and informal settlements, placing additional pressure on local resources.

Humanitarian organizations say the sudden movement of millions of people is creating urgent needs for shelter, food, medical care and basic services. Aid agencies are working with local authorities to assess conditions and deliver assistance to affected communities.

The displacement crisis comes amid broader regional instability that has raised concerns among international organizations about the potential for further population movements both inside Iran and across borders.

UNHCR said it is continuing to monitor developments closely and is coordinating with humanitarian partners to scale up assistance as the situation evolves.

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Trump on Iran: We won, but don’t want to leave early

Trump has seesawed ​on Iran, crediting the U.S. military for significantly ‌degrading ⁠Iran’s military but resisting a speedy end to the conflict.

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U.S. President Donald Trump said on ‌Wednesday that “we won” the Iran war but that the United States will stay in ​the fight to finish the ​job.

“You never like to say too ⁠early you won. We won,” ​Trump told a campaign-style rally in Hebron, Kentucky. “In ​the first hour it was over.”

He said the United States had knocked out 58 ​Iranian naval ships.

Trump has seesawed ​on Iran, crediting the U.S. military for significantly ‌degrading ⁠Iran’s military but resisting a speedy end to the conflict.

“We don’t want to leave early do we?” Trump ​said. “We ​got to ⁠finish the job.”

He said the United States has “virtually destroyed ​Iran.” He seemed to signal that ​the ⁠United States would continue the fight for now.

“We don’t want to go ⁠back ​every two years,” he ​said.

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