Iran faces pressure from Europe as Trump urges protests to continue

TEHRAN: Amid escalating street protests in Iran and reports of violence against demonstrators, several European countries, including the UK, France, Germany, and Italy, have summoned Iranian ambassadors and demanded an immediate halt to violence against citizens. The protests, now entering their 16th day, have elicited widespread diplomatic reactions. London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin on Tuesday summoned Iranian ambassadors, with other countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, Finland, Portugal, Belgium, and Denmark taking similar actions. The UK Foreign Secretary stated that the summoning was to convey London’s serious concerns over the brutal crackdown on protesters and mentioned preparations for new sanctions against Iranian officials targeting financial, energy, transport, and key industries. Germany called for an end to violence against citizens, while France described how Iranian officials are handling protests as “unacceptable and inhuman.” European officials have also indicated the possibility of swift sanctions at the EU level. Meanwhile, Donald Trump issued a warning that if executions of protesters begin, the U.S. will take “very severe action” against the Iranian government. He emphasized that communication with Tehran will remain suspended until the killing stops, and urged protesters to continue their demonstrations.Simultaneously, the U.S., Australia, Sweden, Poland, and India have urged their citizens to leave Iran immediately. The U.S. State Department warned of risks of arrest and imprisonment for its citizens, suggesting land exit routes. Reports have also emerged of non-essential staff from some European embassies in Tehran leaving the country. Inside Iran, despite a limited return to international communications, the internet remains widely cut off, complicating access to accurate data on casualties and arrests. Nonetheless, protests continue in various cities, and international pressure on Tehran is intensifying.