Iran’s protest death toll continues to climb as pressure mounts on Tehran from both inside and outside the country.
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced sweeping new measures. He said any country that continues doing business with Iran will face a 25% tariff. The move sharply escalates Washington’s response to Iran’s violent crackdown on anti-government protests.
Trump reed his stance that the United States could intervene to “rescue” protesters if the situation worsens. His comments add to growing uncertainty around US-Iran relations.
Also read: AU-COMESA-IGAD Mission Arrives in Uganda to Observe January 15 Elections
Inside Iran, signs of disruption persist. Some landline and mobile users were able to make international calls for the first time in more than four days. However, internet access remains largely shut down, limiting the flow of information.
On diplomacy, Iran says it is open to talks with the US but insists it is also “prepared for war.” The White House, however, says Tehran’s private messages do not match its public statements.
Sources say Iran’s foreign minister has communicated with US envoy Steve Witkoff in recent days. Even so, tensions remain high as protests, sanctions, and geopolitical risks converge.
