Fresh Iran-US Warnings Rekindle Global Tensions
Iran and the United States have again exchanged strong warnings, thereby pushing global tensions higher. Earlier, protests in Iran had briefly slowed. However, US President Donald Trump on Thursday said a powerful American “armada is heading” towards Iran. As a result, Tehran issued a sharp response. Iranian officials warned that any further escalation could trigger an all-out war. Consequently, fears of wider regional instability have grown across the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Protests and Crackdown Deepen Concerns
Protests spread across Iran in late December, as citizens reacted to economic decline and a falling currency. Additionally, rising inflation and unemployment intensified public anger. Security forces responded with a heavy crackdown, activists say. According to rights groups, at least 5,000 protesters died during the unrest. In contrast, Iranian authorities rejected these claims. At the same time, the government imposed the longest internet shutdown in the country’s history. As a result, communication collapsed across several regions.
However, Trump’s ‘Armada’ Comment Sparks New Alarm
Tensions eased briefly in early January, as fewer protest videos emerged online. Observers believe the blackout limited the flow of information. However, Trump’s latest remarks quickly reignited the crisis. He said the US hopes it will not need to use the armada heading to the Middle East. According to reports, a US aircraft carrier leads the deployment. In response, Iran warned of serious consequences. Meanwhile, Tehran accused Washington of threatening regional peace.
At the Same Time, Iran Issues Rare ‘Thank You’ to India
Amid the standoff, Iran publicly thanked India for its UNHRC vote. Notably, Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, praised New Delhi’s decision. He described the move as “principled and firm.” Furthermore, he criticised the resolution as unjust and politically motivated. Importantly, the vote came during heightened Iran-US tensions. As a result, India’s position drew global attention amid renewed scrutiny of Iran’s human rights record.
