Ex-US official warns Iran over crackdown on protesters

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned violence against Iranian protesters, calling it a sign of the government’s weakness.

Merz said during a visit to India on Monday that the use of “disproportionate and brutal violence” against protesters was “a sign of weakness.”

“We condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms,” Merz said. “This violence is not an expression of strength, but rather a sign of weakness. This violence must end.”

China said on Monday it hoped Iran’s government would overcome current difficulties and maintain stability, as deadly protests continue across the country.

Asked about US President Donald Trump’s threat to intervene militarily on behalf of protesters, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson rejected outside involvement and emphasized state sovereignty.

“We have always opposed interference in other countries’ internal affairs and consistently advocated that the sovereignty and security of all nations should be fully protected by international law,” spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular news briefing.

US Senator Todd Young said he supported Iranians protesting the Islamic Republic, as anti-establishment demonstrations continued in multiple cities.

In his post on X, the Indiana Republican accused Iran’s leadership of repressing citizens at home and described it as a leading sponsor of terrorism abroad.

“I stand with the brave Iranian protestors who are courageously calling for freedom all across their country,” Young wrote.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that the situation in the country had come under control, and told a gathering of foreign ambassadors that Tehran had extensive evidence of what he described as US and Israeli involvement in recent “terrorist movements” in Iran.

“From January 10 until today, we are in the next phase, in which the situation has come under control,” Araghchi said.

“We have many documents and pieces of evidence of US and Israeli involvement in the terrorist actions of recent days in Iran,” he said.

He referred to comments by former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, saying: “Pompeo has admitted that Mossad agents were alongside the rioters and were directing this terrorist current.”

“We will pursue this issue, and those whose statements have contributed to an increase in the number of deaths are responsible for these events,” he said.

Araghchi also criticized Western governments, saying they condemned Iran’s police instead of what he called terrorists.

“Western countries, instead of condemning terrorists, condemn our police,” he said.

US Senator Tim Sheehy shared a photo online showing him lighting a cigarette with a burning image of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

As anti-government protests continue in Iran, the move has become trendy especially among young girls.

“Smoke 'em if you got 'em,” Sheehy wrote.

Senator Ted Cruz reacted to Sheehy’s post by writing: “Spectacular!!! America stands with the people of Iran against the Islamist tyrants.”

Senator Lindsey Graham also praised the post, calling it “beyond awesome,” and saying, “The bravest woman on the planet got a shout out from the baddest dude in the Senate.”