Western Leaders Crank Up Pressure On Iran Amid Crackdown On Protesters
Iran has entered a 14th night of protests as authorities seemed to be intensifying their crackdown and Western leaders -- including US President Donald Trump -- stepped up pressure on Tehran.
Speaking at a meeting with oil and gas executives at the White House on January 9, Trump said that "Iran is in big trouble. It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible just a few weeks ago."
"We're watching the situation very carefully. I've made the statement very strongly that if they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved. We will be hitting them very hard where it hurts. That does not mean boots on the ground, but it does mean hitting them very, very hard where it hurts."
This was followed up by a short post on X by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on January 10, stating that the United States “supports the brave people of Iran.”
The protests, which began on Tehran's Grand Bazaar on December 28, quickly snowballed, spreading to dozens of towns and cities.
By the evening of January 8, videos poured in from nearly every corner of the country showing huge crowds chanting and marching.
Authorities first throttled nationwide Internet speeds before enforcing a near-total blackout at 10:15 p.m. local time on January 8, severing phone lines too.
With the blackout now lasting more than 40 hours there is no precise information about the number of people killed, injured, or detained across the country with widespread fears that the cut is being used to hide state violence against protesters.
Amnesty International released a statement on January saying that it was investigating "distressing reports that security forces have intensified their unlawful use of lethal force against protesters" which has “led to further deaths and injuries.”
There have also been media reports, including by AFP, that hundreds of people had been taken to a Tehran hospital with “severe eye injuries” caused by pellet gun fire.
The Human Rights News Agency (HRANA), which covers human rights-related news, has reported that at least 2,311 people were arrested in the first 13 days of the protests and that demonstrations were reported in 512 locations across 180 towns and cities amid a near-total Internet shutdown. Additionally, the Norway-based Iran Human Rights has said that 51 protesters have been killed as of January 9.
In a joint statement issued on January 9, the leaders of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom expressed “deep concern about reports of violence by Iranian security forces, and strongly condemn the killing of protestors.”
The text also added that the Internet blackout "has sparked fears among activists that authorities are now violently cracking down on the protests, with less chance the proof will reach the outside world."
An EU statement issued on the same day also called for “the right of access to information, including by restoring access to the Internet for all” while expressing “solidarity with the Iranian people as they voice their legitimate aspiration for a better life, freedom and dignity.”
Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose father -- Iran's last shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi -- was ousted by the Islamic Revolution in 1979, issued a message of support on social media for the protesters, telling them that they have “won the admiration of the world with your courage and steadfastness” while announcing that he was planning to return to Iran in the near future.
Protesters came out in force on January 8 and January 9 night following calls by Reza Pahlavi for sustained street demonstrations.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed supporters of the regime on January 9, saying that "saboteurs, agitators" had "destroyed the country's buildings to please" President Trump.
He added that Trump has the "blood of Iranians on his hands" following US strikes on Iran in June, and that the US leader would be "overthrown."
The Iranian army later issued a statement announcing it would join other armed forces to "guard and protect the country's strategic infrastructure and public property" during the protests.
Separately, the authorities said several members of the security forces have been killed as state TV broadcast images on January 10 of funerals of security officers allegedly killed in the protests, including a large gathering in the southern city of Shiraz.
Beijing Welcomes US-Iran Deal As 'Significant' Step Towards Peace
- By Colin Hood
Beijing has praised the deal signed by Washington and Tehran to end the war in Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, told reporters on June 18 that the agreement is a significant step toward “easing tensions and consolidating the momentum of the cease-fire.”
The US and Iranian presidents signed the memorandum of understanding at an official ceremony at the Palace of Versailles in France on June 17 following a Group of Seven (G7) summit in the country.
At a regular press conference, Lin emphasized Beijing’s engagement in efforts to end the conflict, including Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s four-point roadmap for “maintaining and promoting peace and stability” proposed after the US and Iran failed to reach a breakthrough during talks in Islamabad in April.
Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, has been at the center of Beijing’s mediation strategy. He has held more than 30 phone calls and meetings with senior officials from countries affected by the conflict, which began when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28.
During a phone call with Wang on June 17, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi “sincerely thanked China for its active role in promoting negotiations and reaching an agreement.”
China has worked closely with Pakistan, a close ally, to moderate the conflict indirectly.
On March 31, Beijing and Islamabad launched a joint five-point peace initiative which focused on reopening and safeguarding vital shipping routes and starting peace negotiations.
Qalibaf Says US Talks Must Respect Tehran's "Red Lines"
Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, said on June 19 that upcoming talks with the United States would remain bound by Tehran's "red lines" despite this week's agreement ending the war between the two countries.
In remarks published by the state news agency IRNA, Qalibaf said Iran would remain committed to protecting its national interests and warned that any attempt to exceed agreed limits would draw a strong response.
"If the enemy seeks to be excessive, we have proven that our fingers are on the trigger," he said.
His comments came after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei endorsed the agreement while stressing that direct negotiations with Washington "will not mean accepting the enemy's point of view."
The memorandum of understanding signed by Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump lays the groundwork for 60 days of negotiations on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions relief.
However, conservative figures in Iran voiced skepticism about US intentions.
Hossein Shariatmadari, editor of the ultraconservative Kayhan newspaper, said: "The Americans do not honor any commitments," while some lawmakers expressed concern over potential international inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities.
With reporting by AFP
Commercial Traffic Through Hormuz Strait Surges After US-Iran Deal
The number of commercial vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz reached 25 on June 18, according to various trackers, marking the highest number since mid-April.
The increase comes following an agreement between Iran and the United States to open the energy chokepoint as part of a memorandum of understanding to end the war and engage in further talks to reach a permanent deal.
Plans to hold negotiations in Switzerland on June 19 were scrapped but that does not appear to have impacted Iran’s intention to keep the strait open.
Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) said in a notice on June 19 that it was waiving transit feels for the 60-day negotiation period but that vessels looking to cross the strait must submit transit requests ahead of arrival.
“Verified Strait of Hormuz crossings reached 25 on [June 18], marking a notable increase in daily maritime activity,” the shipping-data firm Kpler wrote in a post on X on June 19.
Another marine intelligence company, AXSMarine, confirmed the number, adding that the strait had seen the largest volume crossings since April 18.
“Pre-conflict commercial traffic through the Strait was around 110 crossings per day,” it said in a news release.
Since March 1, crossings averaged 7.6 per day, according to AXSMarine.
While the uptick in crossings suggests operating conditions are improving, “unresolved implementation details and continued dark crossings indicate a continued elevated degree of caution with ship operators,” Kpler said.
Following US and Israeli strikes that ignited war on February 28, Iranian forces effectively shut down the strait. Dozens of shipping attacks were reported by maritime authorities during the conflict, which paused after a cease-fire agreement on April 8.
Before the war, the strait carried around 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas traffic.
Swiss Foreign Ministry Says Planned US–Iran Talks Postponed
Talks between the United States and Iran that were scheduled for June 19 in the Swiss resort town of Burgenstock won't take place as planned, according to a statement issued by Switzerland's Foreign Ministry on June 19.
"The planned talks between the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan have been postponed," the statement said.
"Switzerland remains ready to facilitate these talks. The relevant preparatory work at Burgenstock is continuing. No further information can be provided at present," it added.
The announcement followed comments from a White House spokesperson overnight indicating that US Vice President JD Vance had canceled a planned trip to Switzerland, where he was expected to meet with Iranian negotiators to start talks on a peace agreement to end their war.
The White House cited logistical challenges as the reason for postponing Vance's trip.
The meeting had been scheduled just two days after the leaders of the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining steps to end the war in the Middle East. A 60-day period for talks on the broader peace agreement began on June 18.
Vance Delays Trip To Switzerland For Iran Talks -- 'Logistics' Cited
Citing "logistics" issues, the White House said Vice President JD Vance has postponed a trip to Switzerland for direct talks with Iran originally scheduled for June 19, two days after the two countries' presidents signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) toward ending the Middle East war.
"The logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable," a White House spokesperson was quoted by AFP as saying late on June 18.
"As of now the vice president is not departing tonight. We look forward to beginning technical talks as soon as possible."
It was not immediately clear if the start of the talks themselves would also be delayed, but dpa news agency quoted a White House spokesman as saying plans for the upcoming talks had not yet been finalized.
Iran's Tasnim agency said that "nothing has been confirmed" about the Tehran delegation's trip to Switzerland. Iran media cited unconfirmed reports that Tehran had delayed sending its own team because of ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
US President Donald Trump and Iranian counterpart Masud Pezeshkian signed the framework deal on June 17 aimed at ending nearly four months of war.
Under the interim agreement, Tehran and Washington have 60 days to reach a final settlement, including limits to Iran's nuclear program and the lifting of US sanctions on the Islamic republic. It also included a demand by Iran that Israel cease attacks in Lebanon.
In a June 18 press briefing, Vance told reporters that the 60-day window for the United States and Iran to reach a final settlement had already begun.
"I would say the 60-day period officially started today," Vance said.
Originally, it was suggested that a signing ceremony would be held on June 19 in Geneva, with Vance likely attending for the US side, along with senior diplomats from both countries.
However, Trump and Pezeshkian unexpectedly signed the MOU digitally on June 17.
Attention then turned to what were expected to be technical talks in Geneva, where negotiators will attempt to convert the MOU into a detailed implementation plan.
"The meeting this weekend in Switzerland will be quite critical," the senior US official said, adding that any failure by either side to meet expectations should become apparent "within days or weeks, not months."
With reporting by AFP and dpa
Iran's Supreme Leader Accepted US Deal Despite Having 'Different View'
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said he initially disagreed with the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States but accepted it after assurances from Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian.
"As a matter of principle, I held a different view," Khamenei said in a written message issued on June 18.
"Nevertheless in light of the commitment given to me by the esteemed President, in his capacity as Chairman of the Supreme National Security Council on behalf of himself and the other members, to safeguard the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front, and his explicit acceptance of responsibility in this regard, I authorized it."
"He [Pezeshkian] has also made it clear that, should the American side seek to make excessive demands, they [meaning Iranians] will not submit to them," the written message said.
Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public since he succeeded his father as supreme leader on March 8. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli air strike on February 28.
Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump signed the framework deal on June 17 aimed at ending nearly four months of war.
Under the interim agreement, Tehran and Washington have 60 days to reach a final settlement, including limits to Iran's nuclear program and the lifting of US sanctions on the Islamic republic.
"From this moment onward, we, that is, you, the proud nation, and this humble servant, shall await the fulfilment of the conditions that have been set out," Khamenei said in the written message.
"It is self-evident that any face-to-face negotiations that may take place in the future should not be construed as acceptance of the enemy's position."
US Confirms End Of Naval Blockade Of Iran
US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that the naval blockade on Iranian vessels and ports has been lifted.
"All U.S. military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased," CENTCOM said in a post on X. "Our great Naval Ships will remain in the general area to make sure that all aspects of the agreement are adhered to, obeyed and in full force and effect."
The United States imposed the naval blockade in mid-April with the aim of preventing Iran from exporting its oil, the lifeline of its economy.
Washington's lifting of the naval blockade and Tehran's reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil and gas supplies, are part of a framework deal signed on June 17.
60 Days Of Negotiations Begin 'Today,' Says Vance
US Vice President JD Vance said a 60-day window for the United States and Iran to reach a final settlement began on June 18.
"I would say the 60-day period officially started today," Vance told reporters at a White House briefing, a day after US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the nearly four-month-long conflict.
The interim deal gives Washington and Tehran two months to reach a full agreement, including over Iran's nuclear program and US sanctions on the Islamic republic.
Asked what would stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon in the future, Vance said Tehran would need "a lot of money" after the United States destroyed "billions" worth of nuclear infrastructure.
He said the United States has Iran in an "economic chokehold" that "we're not going to release until they fundamentally change their behavior."
"What would that look like? That would mean a real inspections regime. That would mean a real enforcement regime," Vance said, adding that the change in behavior would also mean the destruction of the country's enriched uranium stockpile.
The US vice president also said the framework deal was already "bearing real fruit for the American people," adding that around 12.5 million barrels of oil has flowed through the Strait of Hormuz after the signing of the memorandum of understanding.
He said Iran has not fired on any vessels moving through the strait, a key artery for global oil and gas supplies that Tehran effectively closed after the war began on February 28. The United States, he added, has allowed about a dozen ships to pass through the US naval blockade.
On the possibility of Iran imposing tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, Vance said international waterways should be free of tolls and that Washington does not want the strait to be used as a "chokepoint" for the global economy again.
Vance said a final peace deal would set the terms for the strait.
He claimed the United States had "all the cards" in negotiations and Iran would have to "give us the things that are necessary" to get the benefits of the peace deal.
Vance claimed Tehran's nuclear program and military are "still destroyed," and Iran was unable to "threaten" its neighbors.
Vance also said part of the interim deal has been "misrepresented," in apparent reference to the $300 billion reconstruction fund that Iran could access as part of the agreement.
He added that "not a single penny" will be sent by the United States to Iran. Tehran will only benefit from the deal "if they comply fully and change their behavior," he said.
Vance was also asked about the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. The framework deal calls for an end to all hostilities, including in Lebanon.
Hezbollah is both a militant group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon. It is considered a terrorist organization by the United States, although the European Union has only blacklisted its armed wing.
"This is about regional peace," Vance said. He added that Washington expects Hezbollah to stop firing at Israel, and that the Israelis "are not going to be going wild in Lebanon."
He added that "sometimes these cease-fires are a little messy." There has been "radical progress," he said, in bringing that conflict to an end, but there will be "little flare-ups from time to time."
Referring to Trump's recent criticism of Israel's actions in Lebanon, Vance said Washington does not want to withdraw Israel's right to self-defense. But he said that Israel "just like everyone else, has to defend this peace process."
"We seem to be right on the cusp of a major breakthrough in the agreement and then all of a sudden there's a major explosion that goes off in a civilian population center in Beirut," Vance said. "That's not acceptable."
Iran Deal Provides Economic Boost, But Hormuz Shipping Is Key
The Iran framework agreement gave an immediate boost to markets, with shares rising and oil prices dipping. But whether this translates into durable economic gains will largely depend on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
There were signs of traffic beginning to revive on June 18 in the hours immediately after the US and Iranian presidents signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war, according to Windward, a maritime intelligence company.
Speaking in an online briefing, Windward chief analyst Michelle Wiese Bockmann said 18 vessels had transited the strait between 6 p.m. on June 17 and 2 p.m. UTC on June 18, in what she described as "a sign of confidence in the agreement."
Ben Cahill, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Center, indicated that this trickle needs to grow if the hope of an economic peace dividend is to be realized.
"It's all about tanker traffic. Agreements on paper don't matter much unless they really get oil moving again through the Strait of Hormuz, because that's what everyone will be monitoring -- the number of tankers exiting the strait to carry oil, gas, and other products to market," he told RFE/RL.
To read the full news analysis, click here.
Shipping Monitor Reports 18 Hormuz Transits Since Deal Signed
There have been signs of shipping beginning to revive in the Strait of Hormuz in the hours since the US and Iranian presidents signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war, according to Windward, a maritime intelligence company.
Speaking in an online briefing, Windward chief analyst Michelle Wiese Bockmann said 18 vessels had transited the strait between 6 p.m. on June 17 and 2 p.m. UTC on June 18, in what she described as "a sign of confidence in the agreement."
Specifically, she said these were a French-flagged liquid natural gas (LNG) tanker, two Hong Kong-flagged tankers, an Italian-flagged vehicles carrier, a Japanese-controlled oil tanker, and several Saudi-flagged tankers.
Ten of the vessels were outbound, having been stuck in the Persian Gulf for 109 days owing to the war that began with US and Israeli air strikes on Iran on February 28.
"What's important now is what's going out. So, it's going to start as a trickle, but certainly this is a very good sign, an early sign that there is confidence for outbound transits," Wiese Bockmann said.
"Transits averaged about seven vessels a day in the first two weeks of June until we had word of this agreement coming on Sunday. And the total volume of transit so far in June already exceeds the 156 that we saw in May that we tracked. So, certainly we see everything gathering force," she added.
Windward also tracked Iranian vessels moving through the strait, and also Iranian-controlled LNG and oil tankers heading west from southeast Asia through the Malacca Straits -- apparently confident of being able to load up in Iranian ports now that the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and waters has been lifted.
Under the deal signed on June 17, Iran has agreed to toll-free transit through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days, pending further talks with US negotiators.
Bockmann said the southern route through the strait is in Omani waters, and that once this was demined the question of a toll became unimportant. Tehran has spoken of imposing "maritime service fees" in cooperation with Oman, but Bockmann said, "I really don't think that's going to fly."