The ongoing unrest in Iran, fueled by severe economic challenges, represents the most significant internal upheaval the country’s leadership has faced in at least three years. This turmoil coincides with mounting international pressure following attacks by Israel and the United States last year.

The Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), based in the United States, reported that out of 2,003 confirmed fatalities, 1,850 were demonstrators. Additionally, the agency noted a substantial increase in detentions, with 16,784 individuals arrested, a notable rise from their previous report.

On Monday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed that he maintained dialogue with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff during the protests. Araghchi mentioned that Iran is currently evaluating proposals put forth by Washington.

Highlighting the global uncertainty surrounding Iran’s future, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his belief that the Iranian government might soon collapse. Iran has long been a dominant force in the Middle East, adding to the weight of such predictions.

In response, Araghchi rejected Merz’s criticisms, accusing Germany of hypocrisy and claiming the Chancellor had “destroyed any semblance of credibility.”

Araghchi dismissed Merz’s criticisms, accusing Berlin of double standards and saying he had “obliterated any shred of credibility”.

Rights group says man accused in protests set to be executed

Hengaw, an Iranian Kurdish rights group, has reported that a 26-year-old man, Erfan Soltani, arrested in connection with protests in the city of Karaj, will be executed on Wednesday. Authorities had told the family that the death sentence was final, Hengaw reported, citing a source close to the family.

Parliament member Mohammadreza Sabaghian, who represents an area in Yazd, in central Iran, said the government needed to resolve people’s dissatisfaction, otherwise “the same events will occur with greater intensity”.