The German government has expressed deepening concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Iran, acknowledging a significant escalation of ongoing protests and escalating violence. A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry in Berlin, responding to inquiries from the dts news agency, stated that the situation is being monitored “very closely and with great concern” while declining to speculate on potential future developments due to the limitations of observing events from afar.
The spokesperson confirmed the existence of widespread protest movements within Iran, emphasizing that these are driven by critical issues concerning citizens’ economic security, fundamental freedoms and the right to peaceful assembly. Reports emanating from within Iran indicate a surge in arrests, reportedly numbering in the hundreds, alongside a tragically rising death toll, currently estimated at a minimum of 19 individuals.
Recent weeks have witnessed a sharp rise in the intensity of confrontations. Violent clashes between protesters and security forces have been reported in major cities, including the capital, Tehran. Eyewitness accounts describe volatile scenes marked by confrontations and chants denouncing the current leadership. Notably, demonstrators have drawn parallels between the current unrest and recent events in Venezuela, where US forces apprehended President Nicolás Maduro, issuing a clear warning to Iranian authorities regarding the potential for similar intervention. This overt comparison underscores the protesters’ anxieties and the fragility of the existing political order.
Analysts suggest the German government’s measured response, while acknowledging the gravity of the situation, reflects a delicate balance between expressing solidarity with the Iranian people and avoiding actions that could be perceived as interference in Iran’s internal affairs. The references to Venezuela highlight the protesters’ increasing boldness and a palpable fear of external intervention, potentially complicating the government’s already challenging position. The situation remains highly volatile and further escalation appears increasingly likely.