JAKARTA - Senior United Nations (UN) officials on Thursday (15/1) warned that increasing rhetoric regarding the possibility of military action against Iran risks exacerbating an already volatile situation, amid continued protests in the country.
"For almost three weeks, the people's protests in the Islamic Republic of Iran have rapidly evolved into a national upheaval, resulting in the loss of many lives," said Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa at the Department of Political Affairs and Peacebuilding and Peace Operations, at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Iran. reported by ANTARA from Anadolu.
Pobee reiterated the deep concern of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres over reports of excessive use of force in Iran, as well as stressing the urgent need to prevent further casualties.
Human rights monitors have reported mass arrests in Iran related to the current wave of protests, with an estimated number of detainees exceeding 18,000 people by mid-January 2026, although the United Nations has not been able to verify the figure.
He emphasized that the situation in Iran is dynamic and very worrying. According to him, protests are still taking place, although they are reported on a smaller scale than the previous week.
"We note with concern various public statements that hint at the possibility of a military attack on Iran," Pobee said, adding that the external dimension increases instability in a situation that is already very easy to heat up.
He emphasized that every effort must be made to prevent the situation from deteriorating.
Pobee also said the UN Secretary-General reiterated the principles of the UN Charter, including the obligation of member states to settle disputes by peaceful means and the prohibition of the threat or use of force in international relations.
"These principles are not abstract ideas, but rather the foundation of international peace and security. These principles remain relevant today as they were when the United Nations was founded," he said.
The emergency session was held amid rising regional tensions over a possible US attack on Iran.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed support for demonstrators in Iran, where anti-government protests have been widespread since last month.
Iranian officials have accused the US and Israel of being behind what they have described as riots and acts of terrorism in the wave of protests.
Until now, Iranian authorities have not released official figures regarding the number of deaths or detainees. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), an US-based group, estimates that more than 2,600 people have been killed, including protesters and security forces.
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