UN Secretary-General Urges Iranian Authorities to Exercise Maximum Restraint

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on Iranian authorities to exercise "maximum restraint" and refrain from using force. He expressed deep shock over reports of violence and the excessive use of force by Iranian authorities against protesters across multiple locations, resulting in dozens of deaths and numerous injuries in recent days.

UN Condemns Excessive Force: UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric issued a statement on behalf of the Secretary-General, asserting that all Iranians must be able to express their grievances peacefully and without fear. He emphasized that the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly—as enshrined in international law—must be fully protected and respected.

Restoring Communications: Dujarric added that the Secretary-General urged Iranian authorities to avoid "unnecessary or disproportionate" force and called for immediate steps to allow access to information, including the restoration of telecommunication services and internet access throughout the country.