Protesters torch Soleimani's banner on his death anniversary

"We follow closely the unfolding situation across Iran, with demonstrations reflecting the demands of many Iranians," a spokesperson for the European Union's External Action Service said on Saturday.

"We are concerned by the reported deaths and injuries and urge Iran's security forces to exercise maximum restraint in handling peaceful protests. Socio-economic challenges were acknowledged by authorities and should be addressed through inclusive dialogue, not through violence."

The European Union called on Iranian authorities "to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly and to enable the free flow of information and access to the internet."

"All individuals arrested for peacefully exercising their rights should be immediately released."

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At least 15 protesters and one member of security forces have been killed during the seven-day nationwide protests in Iran, US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported on Saturday.

Protests, strikes, or gatherings were recorded at 174 locations across 60 cities in 25 of Iran's 31 provinces over the past seven days, the report said.

At least 582 protesters including a significant number of minors have been detained, though the real number is likely higher due to reporting restrictions and security pressure, HRANA added.

Reports and verified videos show the use of live fire, tear gas, and physical force, as well as violent arrests in public spaces. Some injured protesters reportedly avoided hospitals for fear of arrest.

The Komala Party of Kurdistan, one of five major parties influential in strikes in Iran’s Kurdish regions, called on Saturday for nationwide strikes and protests.

The statement said strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants in Tehran have continued and spread to other cities and provinces.

Komala condemned a violent crackdown, including the use of live fire, and the killing and wounding of protesters.

It said the current uprising was a continuation of the protests of December 2017, November 2019, and the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement in 2022, in which Kurdish regions played a key role.

In its statement, Komala voiced strong support for the protests and called on all segments of society to join nationwide strikes, while urging the international community to increase pressure to halt the crackdown.

Elon Musk on Saturday congratulated US President Donald Trump on the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his transfer to the United States, calling it "a win for the world and a clear message to evil dictators everywhere."

Maduro’s capture has fueled widespread debate on social media about the possibility of a similar scenario in Iran, as Trump has issued warnings to the country’s leadership during nationwide protests.

The United States carried out an overnight operation targeting Venezuela and detained Maduro, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday, adding that Washington would assume control of the country for the time being and could deploy American troops if required.

In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the United States had carried out a military aggression against Venezuela, calling it a blatant violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

It said the action breached fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter, including the prohibition on the use of force enshrined in Article 2(4), and described it as a clear act of aggression that should be condemned by the international community.

The statement said the US action undermined regional and international peace and security and warned that its consequences would extend beyond Venezuela, further eroding the international order based on the UN Charter.

Iran's Foreign Ministry urged the United Nations and other states to respond clearly to what it called an unlawful use of force, calling for measures to hold accountable those who planned and carried out what it described as crimes committed during the operation.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei also called Iran's ambassador to Caracas, emphasizing "Tehran’s principled position in condemning the US military aggression and the violation of that country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Baqaei also expressed confidence that "the Venezuelan people, by maintaining national unity and cohesion, will safeguard their independence and national interests and continue on the path of development and progress."

Elon Musk on Saturday congratulated Trump on the capture of Maduro, a staunch ally of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling it "a win for the world and a clear message to evil dictators everywhere."

Maduro’s capture has fueled widespread debate on social media about the possibility of a similar scenario in Iran, as Trump has issued warnings to the country’s leadership during nationwide protests.