By Micah Jonah | January 25, 2026
The Iranian government has rejected a resolution passed by the United Nations Human Rights Council, condemning the killing of protesters by security forces, as international pressure mounts over the country’s handling of nationwide demonstrations.
The resolution was adopted on Friday in Geneva after 25 member states, including France, Japan and South Korea, voted in favour of condemning what the council described as a violent crackdown on peaceful protesters. Seven countries voted against the motion, while 14 others abstained.
The council called on Iran to halt arrests linked to the protests and to take immediate steps to prevent unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, and other human rights violations.
Iran’s envoy to the UN meeting, Ali Bahreini, dismissed the resolution, accusing Western countries of political bias and stating that sanctions imposed on Iran had worsened living conditions for ordinary citizens. He maintained that 3,117 people were killed during the unrest, claiming that most deaths were caused by armed groups allegedly supported by foreign powers.
However, human rights organizations outside Iran have reported higher figures. The UN special rapporteur on Iran, Mai Sato, told the council that the number of deaths could reach 20,000 as more reports emerge from medical workers within the country. International rights groups have also documented video evidence showing security forces firing live ammunition at protesters, a claim strongly denied by Iranian authorities.
UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk told the council that killings, arrests have continued weeks after the major incidents recorded earlier this month, adding that executions in Iran rose sharply in 2025, with at least 1,500 people put to death, representing a significant increase from the previous year.
Meanwhile, Iran continues to enforce a nationwide internet blackout, limiting access to international communication platforms. Despite restrictions, short video clips of violent encounters between protesters and security forces have continued to surface online through virtual private networks and proxy services.
As diplomatic tensions rise, the United States has increased its military presence in the Middle East. US naval and air assets have been deployed to the region following renewed warnings from President Donald Trump over Iran’s handling of the protests. Iranian military and political leaders have responded with strong statements, warning that any external military action would be met with retaliation.
The UN resolution also extended the mandate of the special rapporteur on Iran for another year, prolonged the work of the independent fact-finding mission investigating alleged rights abuses linked to the protests.
