UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged Iranian authorities to exercise restraint and avoid the “unnecessary or disproportionate” use of force against protesters, following reports of dozens of deaths and injuries across multiple locations in Iran.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, Guterres emphasized that fundamental rights — including freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly — must be fully respected in accordance with international law.
He stressed that all Iranians should be able to voice their concerns peacefully and without fear of retaliation. The Secretary-General expressed shock over reports of violence and the excessive use of force by authorities in response to the demonstrations.
Guterres also called on the Iranian government to take steps to ensure access to information, including the restoration of communication services, underscoring the importance of transparency during times of unrest.
