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Iran Envoy Warns on Fake News Amid Protests, UN Urges Restraint

Iran's ambassador to India has warned the public against fake news circulating online about developments in Iran, including false reports of arrests. Protests over economic conditions have continued for a second week, evolving into broader demonstrations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Iranian authorities to show restraint and uphold fundamental rights. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the protesters, and US officials report President Donald Trump is considering military options.

Key Points: Iran Envoy Warns Against Fake News on Protests

  • Iranian envoy warns against fake news
  • UN chief calls for maximum restraint
  • Protests enter second week
  • Netanyahu voices support for protesters
  • US considering military options
2 min read

Iranian envoy to India warns against fake news being peddled about Iran protests

Iran's ambassador cautions against false reports on arrests. UN chief urges restraint as protests continue. Netanyahu voices support for demonstrators.

"The news circulated on some foreign X accounts about Iran's developments, is totally false. - Mohammad Fathali"

Tehran, January 12

Iran's ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali has cautioned against fake news being peddled about the alleged arrest of six Indian and ten Afghani nationals in Iran.

Urging people to be cautious when searching for and consuming information online, in a post on X, he wrote, "The news circulated on some foreign X accounts about Iran's developments, is totally false. I request all interested people to get their news from the reliable sources."

Meanwhile, protests in Iran have continued into its second week over the weekend. The protests which began over worsening economic conditions have since evolved into broader demonstrations opposing the leadership of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Amid the unrest, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Iranian authorities to show "maximum restraint," underscoring that fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly must be upheld and safeguarded.

According to Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), at least 420 people -- including eight children -- have been killed over the past 15 days during anti-government demonstrations, CNN reported. Guterres expressed alarm over reports of violence and excessive force used against protesters, urging officials to avoid disproportionate responses and to restore access to information and communication services.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commented on the situation, saying Israel is closely observing developments in Iran. He voiced support for Iranian citizens protesting for freedom, praising their courage in the face of repression.

Iranian officials have attributed the unrest to foreign-backed elements and "rioters," while insisting that genuine economic issues will be addressed. Meanwhile, Iran's Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad stated that legal proceedings against protesters would be carried out firmly and without leniency, according to Tasnim news agency.

Separately, US officials told CNN that President Donald Trump is considering multiple military options in response to the situation, after warning Tehran against using deadly force on demonstrators.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Very concerning situation. The loss of life is tragic, no matter where it happens. The UN chief is right to call for restraint. India has good relations with Iran, we should use our diplomatic channels to encourage peaceful resolution. 🇮🇳
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Aman W
Fake news is a global pandemic now. But we must also ask - if the news is "totally false," why are there such massive protests? People don't protest for weeks over nothing. The economic issues seem real. Hope the situation stabilizes soon.
S
Sarah B
Reading about Netanyahu and Trump's comments here... feels like external powers are trying to fish in troubled waters. Iran's issues are for Iranians to resolve. India should maintain a balanced position and focus on the safety of Indian nationals there.
K
Karthik V
The attorney general saying legal proceedings will be "firm and without leniency" is worrying. It sounds more like a threat than a promise of justice. When people are struggling with economic conditions, the response shouldn't be more repression. 🙏
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Nisha Z
Respectfully, while fake news is a problem, the ambassador's statement feels like an attempt to deflect from the core issues. The report mentions 420 lives lost, including children. That's not fake news, that's a human tragedy that needs addressing.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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