The UK has summoned Iran’s ambassador over the violent crackdown on protests. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the move shows the seriousness of the situation. A human rights group warned that a 26-year-old protester is set to be executed on Wednesday. Officials claim around 2,000 people may have been killed during the unrest. Internet services remain restricted across Iran. US President Donald Trump urged protesters to continue demonstrations. Several European countries have also summoned Iranian diplomats. Germany said Iran’s government could be nearing its final days. Protests continue despite arrests and force by security agencies.

Iran has said about 2,000 people died during recent nationwide protests and blamed “terrorists” for the violence. An Iranian official gave the figure to Reuters. In contrast, opposition-linked outlet Iran International claimed at least 12,000 protesters were killed by security forces. It said most deaths occurred on January 8 and 9 and were carried out by the Revolutionary Guard and Basij forces. The website said its estimate was based on internal security data, medical sources, and eyewitness accounts. Human rights groups have so far confirmed only several hundred deaths, saying full verification is difficult due to internet shutdowns and tight media controls inside Iran. (PC: X)

Eyewitnesses across Iran have told BBC Persian that security forces used live fire against unarmed protesters last week, killing people in several cities. A man in southern Iran said troops shot directly into crowds with assault rifles. Residents of Tehran and nearby Fardis described Basij forces on motorcycles opening fire and unmarked cars shooting in narrow streets. Internet access has been largely cut, limiting reporting. Norway-based Iran Human Rights said at least 648 protesters have been killed, including minors, though figures cannot be independently verified. Medics said hospitals were overwhelmed, with many bodies brought to morgues and some not released to families. (PC: BBC)

Iran faced continued unrest on Tuesday as an official told Reuters that about 2,000 people have been killed during nationwide protests. The official blamed “terrorists” for the deaths. Authorities began easing a communications blackout, allowing some international calls for the first time in days. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the regime may be in its “final days”, adding that a system surviving only through violence is finished. Protests began in late December over economic concerns and later turned political. Courts have started hearing protest cases, with senior judicial officials warning that charges such as moharebeh could bring the death penalty under Iranian law. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday warned states that it may fix heavy compensation for every dog bite, injury or death, especially involving children and the elderly. Justice Vikram Nath said the court wanted strict use of existing laws and that the issue had turned into a “public platform”. He added that people who feed stray dogs may also face liability. The remarks came during a hearing on rising dog bite cases. The court had earlier ordered removal of stray dogs from schools, hospitals and transport hubs. It also directed local bodies to stop dogs from returning to unsafe areas and to set up proper shelters and feeding zones. (PC: NDTV)

President Donald Trump has been briefed on military and covert options for possible action in Iran, US officials told CBS News. The options include long range air strikes, cyber moves and steps to disrupt command systems. The talks come as rights groups say more than 600 protesters have died in three weeks of unrest. Trump has warned that the US could act if the killings continue. He also announced a 25% tariff on goods from countries that trade with Tehran. Iran’s foreign minister said the country is open to talks but “prepared for war”. A White House meeting on Iran is due on Tuesday. (PC: BBC)

Iranian authorities are set to execute 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, marking the first reported hanging linked to the nationwide anti-Khamenei protests. Arrested on January 8 in Karaj suburb for participating in demonstrations, Soltani faces imminent execution scheduled for Wednesday. Unlike previous protest-related deaths by shooting, this hanging could establish a precedent for deterring further dissent. Human rights groups report Soltani has been denied legal counsel, defense presentation, and transparent proceedings. His lawyer sister cannot access case files or represent him. The protests erupted in late December 2025 due to economic collapse plummeting currency, soaring inflation, and rising costs. What started as economic demonstrations has evolved into Iran's largest anti-regime movement in years, demanding political reform and ending clerical rule. (PC:  X, Reuters)

Iran’s rulers are facing their most serious challenge since the 1979 revolution, analysts say, as protests continue across the country. Security forces have launched a wide crackdown and imposed a near total internet shutdown. Some streets that saw large rallies last week are now quieter, residents told foreign media. The unrest began after a sharp fall in the currency pushed up prices. President Donald Trump has warned of possible US action and said Tehran has sought talks, though he added pressure could continue. Iran’s foreign minister said the situation is “under total control”. Rights groups report rising deaths and arrests. (PC: BBC)

A 28-year-old Hindu auto driver, Samir Das, was beaten and stabbed to death in Daganbhuiyan in Bangladesh’s Chittagong region on Sunday night, local media reported. Police said the attackers used sharp weapons and then stole his battery-run auto rickshaw. An officer said the killing appeared to be “pre-planned” and efforts were on to identify the suspects. Rights groups have raised concern over a rise in attacks on minority communities ahead of the February national election. India said it is monitoring the situation and urged Bangladesh to act firmly against communal violence. (PC: NDTV)

Two China-flagged very large crude carriers, Xingye and Thousand Sunny, were headed to Venezuela to pick up crude oil owed to China under a debt-for-oil arrangement, shipping data shows. Both ships had been anchored in the Atlantic for weeks waiting to enter Venezuelan ports. They have now turned back toward Asia amid a strict US oil embargo on Venezuela and ongoing political turmoil after US forces captured President Nicolás Maduro. The change in course underscores the difficulty of moving Venezuelan oil under US sanctions and export controls. The embargo aims to prevent sanctioned vessels from entering or leaving Venezuelan waters. (PC: India Today)