UN Secretary-General Calls on Iran to Show Maximum Restraint as Nationwide Protests Escalate
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Iranian authorities to exercise “maximum restraint” amid ongoing protests across the country, calling for an end to what has been described as excessive and disproportionate use of force against demonstrators.
According to a statement released on Sunday, January 11, by UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General expressed deep shock over reports of violence targeting protesters in multiple locations throughout Iran. These incidents, the statement noted, have reportedly resulted in significant loss of life.
Guterres stressed that all Iranians must be able to voice their grievances peacefully and without fear of retaliation. He reaffirmed that the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly—clearly protected under international law—must be fully respected and upheld by state authorities.
In addition to concerns over the use of force, the UN chief highlighted the importance of access to information. He called on Iranian authorities to take immediate steps to restore communication services, emphasizing that open access to information is critical during periods of unrest.
This call comes as Iran experiences a prolonged nationwide internet outage. London-based internet monitoring organization NetBlocks reported that the country had been offline for more than 72 hours, marking the fourth consecutive day of widespread connectivity disruption.
The protests began on December 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, sparked by the sharp decline of the Iranian rial and deteriorating economic conditions. What started as localized demonstrations quickly spread to several cities across the country, reflecting broader public frustration.
Reports cited by Anadolu Ajansi, referencing US-based human rights group HRANA, claim that at least 490 protesters and 48 security personnel have lost their lives, with over 10,600 individuals arrested. However, no official figures have been released by Iranian authorities to confirm these numbers.
At its core, this situation is no longer just about protests or politics—it is about people. Families, workers, students, and ordinary citizens are seeking to be heard. The international community’s message is clear: lasting stability cannot be achieved through silence, shutdowns, or force, but through dialogue, dignity, and respect for human rights.