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By Amanda Castro, Hannah Parry, Brendan Cole, Shane Croucher, and John Feng
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Lufthansa Group has announced its airlines will avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace "until further notice" amid the escalating threats of a U.S. military strike from Donald Trump. The German company, which operates multiple airlines including Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings, also said it would avoid overnight flights to and from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport due to the “current situation in the Middle East." The pause on night flights will begin Thursday and run until Sunday, the German company said. The moves comes as Iran closed its airspace to all but a few international flights with special permission.
"All the signals are that a U.S. attack is imminent, but that is also how this administration behaves to keep everyone on their toes. Unpredictability is part of the strategy," a Western military official told Reuters on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday that violence in Iran has eased, declaring that “the killing in Iran is stopping” and insisting there are no plans for executions, a claim he said was based on “good authority.”
What To Know
- Iranian state television issued a chilling threat to assassinate Trump on Wednesday, warning that “this time, it [the bullet] won’t miss."
- Iranian officials and state media have repeatedly issued threats toward Trump since the U.S. drone strike that killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani in January 2020.
- The U.S. State Department and a family member say protester Erfan Soltani could be executed today.
- Trump has urged demonstrators to continue and promised that “help is on its way.”
- Rights groups estimate more than 2,400 protesters killed and at least 18,000 arrested since late December.
- Tehran remains under heavy security, with sources describing the atmosphere as tense and fearful.
- Iran is in its sixth day of a nationwide internet blackout, expected to last one to two weeks.
- Protests began on December 28 over a currency collapse but grew into calls to end Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s rule.
- European nations, including France, Spain, Finland, Belgium, Germany, and the UK, have summoned Iranian envoys over the violence.
- China, Iran’s main trading partner, rejected Trump’s new 25% tariff on those dealing with Tehran.
- Demonstrations appear to be slowing under the weight of arrests, killings, and communications restrictions.
Newsweek's live coverage has ended.
Jan 14, 2026 at 07:01 PM EST
US issues travel warning for Qatar amid tensions with Iran
The U.S. Embassy in Doha has issued a travel warning for Qatar "given ongoing regional tensions."
In an alert, issued Wednesday, the embassy said that it had advised its staff "to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to Al Udeid Airbase."
"We recommend U.S. citizens in Qatar do the same," it continued.
U.S. Embassy staffing and operations are currently unchanged, and consular services continue as normal.
Jan 14, 2026 at 06:40 PM EST
Flight tracker map shows empty skies over Iran after closes its airspace
Iran closed its airspace to all but a few international flights with special permission amid internal unrest and rapidly escalating tensions with the United States.
A flight map, from air traffic monitoring website FlightRadar24 shows the airspace over Iran is entirely clear as of 6.30 p.m. ET after the country issued a 'notam' - a warning to pilots and airlines on Wednesday.
The aviation notice to air missions said the Tehran airspace would remain closed until January 15.
Jan 14, 2026 at 06:24 PM EST
UK closes Tehran embassy, warns against all non-essential travel to Israel amid regional tensions
The United Kingdom has closed its British Embassy in Tehran, and is warning against all but essential travel to Israel and Palestine due to "a heightened risk of regional tension."'
"Due to the ongoing security situation, we have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily move some of our staff and their dependents from Tel Aviv to another location within Israel. Our embassy continues to operate as normal," the embassy said in an alert on Wednesday.
"The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks. Regional tensions may cause international borders (air and land) to close."
They also advise against even essential travel to Northern Israel and Occupied Golan Heights amid the tensions. It is not clear whether the regional tensions are focused on the threat of a U.S. attack on Iran, an Israeli-Gaza related strike, or a combination of both.
Jan 14, 2026 at 06:11 PM EST
Graham shows off Make Iran Great Again caps during meeting with exiled Iranian crown prince
Sen. Lindsey Graham revealed a new take on the classic MAGA hat during his meeting with exiled crown prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, on Wednesday.
As the two men sat down for a joint video on X, Graham showed off two black hat which featured the slogan, "Make Iran Great Again."
An Iranian flag can also be seen stitched into the side of the caps.
Jan 14, 2026 at 05:55 PM EST
Graham calls for US to end violence against protesters in Iran ‘by any means necessary’
Sen. Lindsey Graham has again called for direct U.S. intervention in Iran to stop the regime's violence against protesters, urging the United States to take "any means necessary."
"People often ask me what should we do next when it comes to the murderous, religious Nazi regime in Iran," he said.
"It’s pretty simple. Stand by the protesters demanding an end to their oppression. But it’s going to take more than standing by them. We must stop those who are responsible for killing the people by any means necessary ASAP. Make The Iranian People Safe Again."
Graham has repeatedly urged the U.S. to take military action against Iran in recent weeks.
Jan 14, 2026 at 05:27 PM EST
Lufthansa avoids flying over Iran, Iraq, and cancels overnight flights to Tel Aviv amid ‘situation in Middle East’
Lufthansa Group has announced it will halt overnight flights to and from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport due to the “current situation in the Middle East."
The company, which operates multiple airlines including Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings, confirmed that while some daytime flights will continue, others may be canceled, Turkey's state-run international news agency AA reports. The pause on night flights will begin Thursday and run until Sunday, the German company said.
All its airlines will also continue to avoid flying over Iran and Iraq for the foreseeable future.
Israel Airports Authority told Maariv, a Hebrew-language daily newspaper based in Israel, said that as of Wednesday, it had not recorded any flight cancellations, adding that rumors of people preparing to leave Israel were false.
FlightAware.com, a flight tracker, shows no cancelations Ben Gurion Airport as of 5.30 p.m. ET.
Jan 14, 2026 at 05:20 PM EST
Graham meets with exiled crown prince of Iran
Sen. Lindsey Graham has met with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran, as the Iranian protests and violent crackdowns continue into a third week.
"We stand with the people of Iran and against the brutal regime. Make Iran Great Again," Graham wrote in a post on X Wednesday.
Graham has repeatedly called for the U.S. to take direct, military action in Iran. On Wednesday, he urged the Trump administration to stop the violence in Iran by "any means necessary."
Jan 14, 2026 at 05:08 PM EST
Italy and Poland urge citizens to leave Iran amid security concerns
Italy and Poland on Wednesday became the latest countries to advise their nationals to leave Iran as unrest and security risks escalate.
Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement warning against all travel to Iran, describing the situation as “unstable,” and urged Polish citizens already in the country to depart immediately.
Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reiterated its earlier advisory, again calling on Italians in Iran to leave if possible.
Jan 14, 2026 at 04:49 PM EST
Amnesty: Iran security forces committing killings on ‘unprecedented scale’
Amnesty International said Wednesday it has verified videos and witness testimony showing “mass unlawful killings” in Iran during the ongoing communications blackout. The organization analyzed dozens of videos and photographs from 10 cities across six provinces, including Tehran, since protests erupted on January 8.
Amnesty reported evidence of a coordinated nationwide escalation in the use of lethal force against largely peaceful demonstrators and bystanders. The crackdown involved the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), its Basij units, divisions of Iran’s police force known as FARAJA, and plain-clothes agents, according to the group.
Verified footage revealed severe injuries, including gunshot wounds to the head and eyes, and showed security forces chasing and firing directly at fleeing protesters.
Jan 14, 2026 at 04:30 PM EST
Germany warns airlines to avoid Iranian airspace amid security fears
German authorities have issued a directive cautioning airlines against flying through Iranian airspace, according to flight tracking service Flightradar24. The notice comes as several European governments urge their citizens to avoid travel to Iran due to escalating security concerns.
The new NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) specifically advises German carriers to steer clear of Iranian skies. Lufthansa had been scheduled to resume flights to Tehran on Friday, marking its first service on the route since June 2025, but the warning now casts doubt on those plans.
Jan 14, 2026 at 04:16 PM EST
Iran’s internet blackout fuels anxiety amid fears of escalation
Iran remains under a nationwide internet shutdown that began Thursday, with connectivity still unavailable. While residents can place international calls, incoming calls from abroad remain blocked, deepening frustration and disrupting online businesses.
In Tehran and across the country, the mood is marked by unease. Many Iranians say they continue to feel the psychological “shadow of war” lingering from last June’s 12-day conflict with the United States and Israel. The blackout, coupled with restricted communication, has heightened fears of renewed escalation that could directly affect daily life.
Jan 14, 2026 at 04:02 PM EST
IRGC commander threatens decisive response to U.S. and Israel
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared Wednesday it is prepared to act “decisively” against the United States and Israel, accusing both of orchestrating the protests sweeping the country.
Commander Mohammad Pakpour said the IRGC is at “the height of readiness to respond decisively to the miscalculation of the enemy,” according to a statement carried by state television.
Pakpour escalated his rhetoric by labeling U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “murderers of the youth of Iran,” underscoring Tehran’s effort to frame domestic unrest as part of a foreign plot.
Jan 14, 2026 at 03:46 PM EST
Italy urges citizens to leave Iran, boosts troop protection in region
Italy’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday advised its nationals to leave Iran and announced new measures to safeguard Italian troops stationed across the Middle East. Officials said about 600 Italians remain in Iran, mostly in Tehran, while more than 900 members of the Italian Armed Forces are deployed in the region, including roughly 500 in Iraq and 400 in Kuwait.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stressed that protecting Italian citizens is the government’s top priority and called for constant monitoring of the evolving security situation. The ministry condemned Iran’s violent crackdown on demonstrations and denounced serious human rights violations.
Italy pledged to continue working with European Union partners, NATO allies, and the G7 to de-escalate tensions, defend human rights, and promote regional stability.
Jan 14, 2026 at 03:29 PM EST
G7 warns Iran of new sanctions over protest crackdown
The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven nations said Wednesday they are prepared to impose further restrictive measures on Iran if it continues its violent suppression of protests.
In a joint statement, the ministers expressed alarm at the “high level of reported deaths and injuries” and condemned the killing of demonstrators, arbitrary detentions, and intimidation tactics by Iranian security forces.
The G7 urged Tehran to exercise restraint, halt the use of violence, and respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of its citizens.
Jan 14, 2026 at 03:17 PM EST
Trump says killings in Iran have ‘stopped’
President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday that violence in Iran has eased, saying “the killing in Iran is stopping. It’s stopped. Stopping.”
He added there are “no plans for executions” and said he had been informed of this “on good authority.”
Jan 14, 2026 at 03:13 PM EST
Iran’s Shamkhani warns Trump, cites strike on U.S. base
Ali Shamkhani, senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has warned President Donald Trump that Iran is prepared to respond to any attack, pointing to last year’s strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar as proof of the country’s capabilities.
Writing on X, Shamkhani said the June assault demonstrated “Iran’s will and capability to respond to any attack.” The strike was carried out during the 12-day war with Israel, after Washington backed Israeli military operations against Tehran.
Shamkhani, a former defense minister, was himself seriously injured in an Israeli strike during the conflict but survived. His remarks underscore Tehran’s effort to remind Washington of its military reach as tensions continue to rise.
Jan 14, 2026 at 02:55 PM EST
Iran crackdown deepens as executions loom, U.S. weighs military options
More than 2,400 protesters have been killed and over 18,000 arrested in Iran since demonstrations erupted more than two weeks ago, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Authorities are now signaling harsher punishments, with one detainee potentially facing execution today.
Iran’s judiciary has said protesters accused of violence or “terrorist” acts will be prioritized for trial, while Justice Minister Amir Hossein Rahimi declared that anyone arrested since January 8 is guilty of participating in “an internal war.”
In response to the escalating crackdown, U.S. officials confirmed that some personnel at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American military facility in the Middle East, have been urged to leave. The move comes as President Donald Trump weighs military options against Tehran, with aides refining potential courses of action.
Meanwhile, Iran remains under a state-imposed communications blackout for a seventh day. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Paris is considering sending satellite terminals from Eutelsat to help restore internet access for Iranian citizens.
Jan 14, 2026 at 02:39 PM EST
Iran’s Araghchi warns of escalation, says country ready for any scenario
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has cautioned against rising tensions, accusing Israel of attempting to draw the United States into war while linking the country to the escalation of protests inside Iran.
In recent remarks to Al Jazeera, Araghchi said Tehran remains prepared for “any scenario” and stressed that diplomatic channels with Washington are still open. He noted that Iran’s readiness has improved both “qualitatively and quantitatively” compared with the conflict last June, signaling that the government is bracing for potential confrontation.
Araghchi’s comments come as President Donald Trump issues direct threats toward Iran, underscoring what the minister described as an environment where “escalation is the name of the game.”
Jan 14, 2026 at 02:22 PM EST
France considers Eutelsat terminals for Iran amid blackout
France is considering sending Eutelsat satellite terminals to Iran to help restore internet access during the regime-imposed blackout.
Eutelsat, a Paris-based operator with a fleet of low Earth orbit satellites, provides connectivity from space through its OneWeb subsidiary, a rival to Elon Musk’s Starlink.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed in parliament that the option is under review, telling lawmakers: “We are exploring all options, and the one you have mentioned is among them.”
Jan 14, 2026 at 02:19 PM EST
IN PICTURES: Images from Iran protests
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Jan 14, 2026 at 02:10 PM EST
What to know about Iran’s politics
More than 18,000 people have been arrested in Iran over the past two and a half weeks amid mass protests demanding the removal of the country’s leadership. The unrest has drawn renewed attention to Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, who has urged Iranians to continue demonstrating. Based in the United States, Pahlavi remains a polarizing figure, with experts noting he has offered little clarity on how he would govern if the regime fell.
Iran’s political system combines elected institutions, such as the presidency and parliament, with powerful unelected bodies under the supreme leader’s control. Analysts say this dual structure allows the non-electoral side to dominate, severely restricting who can run for office and overriding decisions made by elected officials. Informal and opaque decision-making has been a hallmark of the system since the 1979 revolution, complicating predictions about leadership moves.
Domestic opposition has been systematically suppressed, with unions, NGOs, and student groups dismantled before they could gain traction. As a result, protests tend to be spontaneous rather than organized, leaving movements vulnerable to government crackdowns.
While Pahlavi is often cited as the most visible opposition figure abroad, experts caution that his ability to lead remains uncertain. Questions persist over how he would confront Iran’s entrenched security apparatus, networks of corruption, and segments of the population that still support the Islamic Republic.
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Jan 14, 2026 at 01:48 PM EST
France weighs sending Eutelsat terminals to Iran amid blackout
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Paris is considering providing Eutelsat satellite terminals to Iran to help restore internet access during the ongoing communications blackout.
Speaking in parliament, Barrot told lawmakers that “all options” are being explored, including the deployment of Eutelsat equipment, after Iranian authorities cut nationwide internet services on January 8. The shutdown has severely limited coverage of mass protests and restricted communication both inside and outside the country.
If pursued, the move would mark a rare European intervention in Iran’s information crisis, highlighting growing international concern over the blackout’s impact on transparency and human rights.
Jan 14, 2026 at 01:31 PM EST
U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia issues security warning amid Iran tensions
Jan 14, 2026 at 01:16 PM EST
UK condemns Iran’s crackdown, plans further sanctions with allies
Britain has sharply criticized Iran’s handling of mass demonstrations, describing the government’s response as violent repression. Keir Starmer said the UK “condemns in the strongest terms” the killing of protesters, contrasting their courage with what he called the regime’s brutality.
Starmer added that London is coordinating with allies to prepare additional sanctions and is working to protect British nationals. The remarks mark one of the UK’s strongest rebukes of Tehran since unrest began.
Iranian officials, meanwhile, claim more than 100 security personnel have died in recent clashes, blaming foreign actors and armed groups for the violence.
Jan 14, 2026 at 01:06 PM EST
Iran state TV threatens Donald Trump—’Bullet won’t miss’
Iranian state television has issued a chilling threat to assassinate President Donald Trump, warning, "This time, the bullet won’t miss.”
Iranian state television aired a segment Wednesday warning President Donald Trump with a remark that “this time, it [the bullet] won’t miss,” escalating Tehran’s rhetoric amid rising regional tensions.
The segment included an image of Trump surrounded by Secret Service agents following the 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. Amichai Stein, a correspondent for i24 News and the Jerusalem Post, shared the post on X with a translation from Persian (Farsi).
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment by email Wednesday.
Read in full: Iran state TV threatens Donald Trump—'Bullet won't miss'
Jan 14, 2026 at 01:04 PM EST
US, UK pulls personnel from bases around Iran amid escalating tensions signaling potential imminent attack
The United States and the United Kingdom are pulling certain personnel from key bases around Iran amid rapidly escalating tensions in the region, sources told Reuters on Wednesday.
"All the signals are that a U.S. attack is imminent, but that is also how this administration behaves to keep everyone on their toes. Unpredictability is part of the strategy," a Western military official told Reuters on Wednesday.
Qatar said that some troops were moved out of its Al Udeid air base, the biggest U.S. base in the Middle East, "in response to the current regional tensions". However, there were no signs of large numbers of soldiers being transported to nearby soccer stadiums or malls, which happened in the hours before the Iranian missile strike.
The movements have led to predictions of an imminent U.S. attack on Iran. Two European officials told the outlet that they expect U.S. military intervention in Iran within the next 24 hours. An Israeli official also said that they believed President Donald Trump was preparing to act in Iran but did not know when or the scale of the attack.
Jan 14, 2026 at 12:58 PM EST
Trump warns Iran is nearing his ‘red line’ amid protest crackdown
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Iran is beginning to cross his “red lines,” though he declined to specify what those lines are. The president stressed that he and his staff are closely monitoring punitive actions against protesters, adding that “the world is watching very closely.”
Trump vowed to hold Iran accountable for what he described as “human rights abuses” and framed his response in diplomatic and economic terms, while leaving open the possibility of military action. He has repeatedly signaled that he is not afraid to use force if necessary.
Jan 14, 2026 at 12:43 PM EST
WATCH: Will Iran fall? Here’s how Trump could push it over
Jan 14, 2026 at 12:43 PM EST
Iran’s internet blackout enters sixth day amid protest crackdown
Iran remains under a sweeping government-imposed internet blackout, now in its sixth day, as authorities intensify efforts to suppress mass protests. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Wednesday that a final decision on restoring access will be made “in the next week or two,” claiming unrestricted connectivity was fueling street violence.
In place of global access, Iran has activated its National Information Network, a domestic system that blocks foreign websites and allows authorities to monitor users. The IRGC said nearly all domestic sites and social platforms are functioning under the network.
Despite the blackout, CNN reported that some Iranians briefly regained the ability to place international calls on Tuesday, though incoming calls remain blocked. VPN provider Proton said its services were fully shut down in Iran after a brief dip earlier this month.
Internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed the outage has surpassed 132 hours, warning that the true toll of protest-related deaths is obscured by the absence of connectivity.
Jan 14, 2026 at 12:29 PM EST
Iranian protester Erfan Soltani faces imminent execution amid crackdown
Iranian protester Erfan Soltani, 26, may be executed today following his arrest during recent anti-government demonstrations, according to family members and the U.S. State Department.
Soltani was detained at his home in Fardis last Thursday, Norway-based rights group Hengaw reported. Four days later, his family was informed that his execution had been scheduled. They have been denied access to case details, including charges, and his sister — a lawyer — has been blocked from reviewing the file.
CNN spoke to a relative who described Soltani’s trial as rushed, echoing expert accounts of sham proceedings frequently used against protesters. Hengaw said the family was allowed only a brief final visit before the execution.
The relative appealed directly to President Donald Trump, who has voiced support for demonstrators, urging him to act: “An unarmed population trusted these words and is now under gunfire. I beg you, please do not let Erfan be executed.”
Jan 14, 2026 at 12:05 PM EST
Iran condemns new U.S. sanctions as ‘inhumane’ and illegal
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has denounced the latest round of U.S. sanctions, calling them unlawful and driven by “deep-rooted hatred” toward the country. In a statement, officials said the measures violate the UN Charter and international law, describing them as “inhumane.”
Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei warned the sanctions would have repercussions beyond Iran, arguing that unilateral U.S. actions undermine the global trading system. He urged the United Nations and its institutions to act against what Tehran labeled coercive economic practices.
The condemnation follows President Donald Trump’s announcement that countries trading with Iran will face a 25 percent tariff on business with the United States, a move that has heightened tensions and drawn criticism from Tehran.
Jan 14, 2026 at 11:50 AM EST
How a Chinese tech company is helping Iran catch protestors
The massive anti-government protests across Iran have put a spotlight back on Chinese surveillance technology, which activists say is aiding authorities in a deadly crackdown.
Among China's exporters is Tiandy Digital Technology Co., whose role has sparked fresh calls in Washington for stronger action against the Tianjin-based company.
Newsweek has contacted Tiandy and the Chinese Embassy in Tehran for comment by email.
China has emerged as the world's leader in mass surveillance. Leveraging artificial intelligence and Big Data, the Communist Party-led government monitors 1.4 billion citizens and clamps down on regions seen as flash points for dissent, including Tibet and the Muslim-majority Xinjiang.
That domestic model is now being exported. China has become the top supplier of surveillance technology worldwide, with critics accusing Beijing of helping authoritarian governments—such as those in Iran and Pakistan—suppress opposition.
Continue reading: How a Chinese Tech Company Is Helping Iran Catch Protesters
Jan 14, 2026 at 11:36 AM EST
U.S. urges partial withdrawal from Qatar base amid Iran strike threats
Some personnel at Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, have been advised to leave as a precaution, a U.S. official told CNN. The move comes as President Donald Trump weighs possible military action against Iran following weeks of unrest.
The base, which hosts about 10,000 American troops, was previously targeted by Iran in June after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Washington also carried out partial evacuations during the Israel-Iran war last summer.
Jan 14, 2026 at 11:20 AM EST
Calm returns to Iran as pro-government rally signals tighter security
After days of violent unrest, the situation in Iran has eased, with fewer clashes reported since Thursday night. On Monday, tens of thousands gathered at a mass rally backing the government, a turnout officials are framing as support for tougher measures against what they describe as “rioters” and “terrorist groups.”
State television has broadcast footage of unidentified individuals carrying weapons and attacking civilians, reinforcing the government’s narrative of armed unrest.
While the streets appear calmer, President Donald Trump’s recent threats of intervention have fueled uncertainty. Conversations with residents reveal frustration and fear of renewed escalation, underscoring the fragile calm that now hangs over the country.
Jan 14, 2026 at 11:05 AM EST
Pakistani students return home from Iran amid unrest
Dozens of Pakistani students have crossed back into their country from Iran as violent unrest continues to spread. Officials said around 60 students entered through the Gabd border crossing in Balochistan’s southwest.
Samina Raisani, a spokesperson for Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency in Quetta, confirmed the return and noted that more students are expected to arrive later in the day.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu, said universities in Iran have rescheduled exams and allowed international students to leave, easing their departure.
Jan 14, 2026 at 10:47 AM EST
UN rapporteur condemns Iran’s threats of death penalty for protesters
The UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran has sharply criticized Tehran’s threats to impose the death penalty on demonstrators, warning that such measures violate international law.
Mai Sato said that even the stated intention to execute protesters—alongside the sentencing of one individual for moharebeh, or “enmity against God”—is unlawful and reflects a disregard for fundamental freedoms.
“The death penalty is not the response of a country where freedom of assembly and expression are respected,” she noted.
Jan 14, 2026 at 10:30 AM EST
Tehran professor says Iran protests under control amid internet restrictions
A senior academic at the University of Tehran says anti-government demonstrations appear to have quieted, with no major unrest reported in recent days. Foad Izadi told Al Jazeera he had not witnessed protests in the past 48 to 72 hours, describing the situation as under control.
Izadi defended Iran’s ongoing internet restrictions, arguing they stem from security concerns tied to last year’s war with Israel. He alleged that Israeli intelligence had exploited Iranian infrastructure during the conflict to coordinate attacks.
Jan 14, 2026 at 10:17 AM EST
Here is what you might have missed on Iran
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At least 2,403 protesters have been killed in Iran since anti-government demonstrations erupted more than two weeks ago, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The group also reports over 18,000 arrests, with authorities now signaling harsh punishments for those detained.
A 26-year-old demonstrator, Erfan Soltani, may face execution today after what relatives and the U.S. State Department described as a rushed trial without legal representation or appeal. Iran’s judiciary chief has said protesters accused of violence or “terrorist” acts will be prioritized for trial and punishment, while Justice Minister Amir Hossein Rahimi declared that anyone arrested since January 8 is guilty of participating in “an internal war.”
January 8 marked both the call by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi for nationwide protests and the start of Iran’s sweeping communications blackout. Internet and phone lines remain cut for a sixth day, with experts saying even Starlink satellite terminals have been jammed using military-grade technology.
The escalating crackdown underscores the severity of Iran’s response, as rights groups warn the true toll may be even higher amid restricted access to information.
Jan 14, 2026 at 09:51 AM EST
Qatar confirms precautionary measures at Al Udeid amid regional tensions
The State of Qatar has issued a statement addressing reports of personnel departures from Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East. The International Media Office said the steps were taken in response to heightened tensions in the region.
Qatar emphasized that safeguarding citizens, residents, and vital facilities remains its top priority, noting that protective measures extend to military infrastructure. Officials added that any further developments would be communicated through official channels.
Jan 14, 2026 at 09:36 AM EST
German police arrest two after Iranian embassy flag incident
German authorities say two men were arrested after climbing over a fence into the grounds of Iran’s embassy in Berlin and tearing down the national flag. According to the dpa news agency, the pair attempted to raise pre-Islamic republic flags but failed.
Security guards used pepper spray before detaining the men, who were taken into custody on the sidewalk outside the embassy.
The incident follows similar demonstrations abroad, including in London earlier this week, where protesters removed the Iranian flag at the embassy and replaced it with a pre-Islamic revolution banner in support of ongoing anti-government rallies.
Jan 14, 2026 at 09:18 AM EST
Iran says forces at ‘peak readiness’ amid rising tensions
Iran’s military is fully prepared to repel any attack, the air force commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared, according to Fars news agency.
Sardar Mousavi said the country is at its “peak of defensive readiness” and ready to “confront any aggression.” He noted that missile reserves have been expanded since last year’s 12-day war with Israel and that all damage sustained during the conflict has been repaired.
Jan 14, 2026 at 09:05 AM EST
U.S.-Iran diplomatic channels collapse amid military threats
Direct communication between senior U.S. and Iranian officials has been suspended as tensions escalate over possible American military action, Reuters reports. Contact between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has broken down, according to a senior official.
The collapse in dialogue comes as President Donald Trump intensifies warnings of intervention following two weeks of deadly unrest in Iran. Tehran has vowed to retaliate against U.S. military bases across the Middle East if attacked, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Jan 14, 2026 at 08:51 AM EST
France weighs sending Eutelsat terminals to Iran amid blackout
France is considering the possibility of supplying Eutelsat satellite terminals to Iran to help restore internet access following the nationwide communications blackout imposed by authorities.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told lawmakers on Wednesday that Paris is “exploring all options,” including the deployment of Eutelsat equipment, in response to a parliamentary question.
Jan 14, 2026 at 08:49 AM EST
Iran’s defense minister warns of ‘painful’ response to any U.S. attack
Iran’s Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh has vowed the country will unleash “many surprises” against any adversary that launches military action, following President Donald Trump’s threats to intervene after weeks of deadly unrest.
Speaking at a security meeting, the brigadier general said Iran would defend itself “with full force and until the last drop of blood,” warning that any strike would bring “painful” consequences for attackers. He added that nations aiding a U.S. assault would also be considered “legitimate targets.”
Nasirzadeh said that Iran has repaired damage from last year’s 12-day war with Israel and boosted its military production capacity.
Jan 14, 2026 at 08:34 AM EST
India urges citizens to leave Iran amid escalating unrest
India’s Embassy in Tehran has advised its nationals to leave Iran, citing what it described as an “evolving situation” in the country. In a statement posted on X, the mission also urged Indian citizens to remain highly vigilant and avoid areas where protests are taking place.
The advisory follows similar warnings from the United States, Canada, and Australia in recent days, as fears grow of escalating violence across Iran. Demonstrations have intensified, prompting multiple governments to call on their citizens to depart for safety reasons.
Jan 14, 2026 at 08:19 AM EST
Mass funeral in Tehran honors security forces killed in unrest
Tens of thousands of mourners gathered near Tehran University on Tuesday to honor members of Iran’s security forces killed during recent violent unrest. Trucks carrying caskets draped in Iranian flags rolled through the crowd, adorned with roses and framed portraits of the dead.
Many in attendance waved national flags and held images of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei alongside relatives of the deceased. The crowd chanted and beat their chests as eulogies were delivered from a stage, underscoring the scale of the state-organized ceremony.
Rights groups estimate that thousands of protesters have been killed in two weeks of demonstrations, though Al Jazeera noted it could not independently verify casualty figures released by activists or Iranian officials.
Jan 14, 2026 at 08:05 AM EST
Gulf allies urge restraint as Trump threatens strikes on Iran
Three U.S.-aligned Gulf Arab nations are quietly pressing Washington to avoid military action against Iran, CNN reports. Officials from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman have voiced concern that any escalation could destabilize the Middle East, threatening both regional security and economic stability.
President Donald Trump has warned Tehran of “strong action” if protesters are harmed, while encouraging demonstrations by saying “help is on its way.” But Arab governments caution that a strike could backfire, potentially rallying Iranians around their leadership rather than weakening it.
Iranian officials have vowed to retaliate against American interests if attacked, raising risks for U.S. bases and personnel stationed across the Gulf. The behind-the-scenes diplomacy underscores mounting anxiety among regional allies as tensions between Washington and Tehran intensify.
Jan 14, 2026 at 07:48 AM EST
Iran protest death toll surges past 2,400, rights group says
The reported number of protesters killed in Iran has escalated sharply in recent days, according to figures from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
HRANA said the death toll surpassed 500 on Monday after more than two weeks of demonstrations. By Tuesday, the tally had risen to 1,850 and then surged past 2,400 within hours, marking the deadliest wave of unrest in decades.
The group told CNN its count is based only on cases it has been able to identify and verify. With Iran under a state-imposed communications blackout, the actual toll may be even higher. CNN noted it has been unable to independently confirm HRANA’s casualty or arrest figures.
Iranian authorities have not acknowledged responsibility for the deaths, instead blaming “rioters” allegedly backed by Israel and the United States. The claims have been widely rejected by protesters and human rights advocates, who say the crackdown reflects the government’s attempt to silence dissent.
Jan 14, 2026 at 07:32 AM EST
Sydney protesters rally in solidarity with Iranians facing crackdown
Hundreds gathered at Sydney’s Town Hall on Wednesday to show support for Iranians enduring a harsh government crackdown. Demonstrators waved Iran’s tricolor flag featuring the pre-1979 lion-and-sun emblem and carried placards declaring “Iranians deserve freedom.” Chants of “Down with Khamenei” echoed through the crowd, targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Members of the Iranian diaspora voiced fears for relatives under surveillance back home. One protester, Mehdi, told Reuters he had stayed silent to protect his family but felt compelled to speak out, saying his “biggest regret is not being there in the streets to support them.”
The rally also reflected calls for international action. Protester Sam Abassi urged U.S. intervention, expressing hope that President Donald Trump—who has voiced support for the protest movement and floated the idea of regime change—would “stand behind the people.”
Jan 14, 2026 at 07:13 AM EST
Middle Eastern governments urge U.S. against war with Iran
A number of Middle Eastern governments have reportedly sought to dissuade Washington from launching military action against Iran, warning of destabilizing fallout across the region.
According to Reuters, which cited an Arab Gulf diplomat, officials from Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have been in “constant contact” with U.S. counterparts in recent days. The governments expressed concern that a conflict with Tehran could trigger “unprecedented consequences,” including wider instability and economic disruption.
Jan 14, 2026 at 06:29 AM EST
EU leader says Iran’s leadership is “on its last legs”
European Parliament president Roberta Metsola has urged the EU to step up its pressure on Iran over its crackdown on protests. In an interview with Euronews, Metsola said that 2026 would be the year “where dictatorships will be over,” as she called on tougher sanctions on Iran and
Metsola said that the ruling regime was coming to an end and also called for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to be designated a terrorist group
It comes as Finnish lawmaker Mika Aaltola criticized EU countries Spain, Italy, Luxembourg and France for blocking the designation of IRGC as a terrorist group. "To block this designation now is a total betrayal of moral clarity and a slap in the face to those fighting for Iranian freedom," Aaltola wrote on X.
Jan 14, 2026 at 05:35 AM EST
U.S. personnel told to leave airbase in Qatar: report
Personnel at the largest U.S military base in the Middle East have been told to leave the site by Wednesday evening, Reuters reported citing unnamed diplomats.
The news agency said that that personnel at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar have been given the order, after Iran warned that American military sites would be at risk should President Donald Trump intervene militarily in protests roiling the Islamic Republic.
The base 20 miles from Doha serves as a logistics and command hub for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in the Middle East. and the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing of the U.S. Air Force. Newsweek has contacted the Pentagon for comment.
On 23 June 2025 Iran launched missiles at the base which hosts around 10,000 troops in retaliation for U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities as part of the Iran–Israel war.
Read More: US Advises Personnel to Leave Key Air Base Amid Iran Tensions
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Jan 14, 2026 at 05:15 AM EST
Iran vows to fight “evil and foreign interference”
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said that Tehran would defend its sovereignty “against any evil and foreign interference.”
On his Telegram channel, Araqchi has described how he had phone conversations with Turkish, United Arab Emirate and French officials and ministers about the unrest in Iran.
The post described the unrest “as a result of the provocation of some terrorist elements by the Zionist regime and the United States to incite peaceful popular protests” adding that “calm has prevailed,” according to a translation.
Araghchi referred to “provocative statements of US officials that are considered a blatant interference in Iran's internal affairs” and that Iran would “defend the country's national sovereignty and security.”
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Jan 14, 2026 at 04:40 AM EST
Iran condemned for using death penalty to suppress protests
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Mai Sato, has said that the plan to use the death penalty against protesters was unlawful.
Sato’s statement comes after Iranian protester, Erfan Soltani, 26, was arrested on January 8 in Fardis, west of Tehran, sentenced to death and was due to be executed on Wednesday.
Even if Wednesday execution does not go ahead immediately, Sato wrote on X, the stated intent to use capital punishment and the sentencing of a protester showed disregard for freedom of assembly and expression.
“The death penalty is not the response of a country where freedom of assembly and expression are respected,” Sato said.
Jan 14, 2026 at 04:11 AM EST
Iran warns it will strike U.S. regional bases if Washington attacks
Tehran has issued a warning it would strike U.S. military bases in the region in retaliation for any U.S. attack on Iran.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday that Tehran has countries in the region, from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Turkey, “that U.S. bases in those countries will be attacked if U.S. targets Iran.”
Turkey is a NATO member, and Article 5 of the alliance's charter stipulates an attack on one member is deemed an attack on all. The comments follow President Donald Trump's threats to intervene amid nationwide anti-government protests.
Jan 14, 2026 at 03:50 AM EST
U.S. says Iran’s regime shows “fear and cowardice”
The U.S. State Department's Persian-language account on X issued a statement saying that the protesters not the ruling regime in Tehran, are demonstrating “real power.” The statement on Wednesday condemned the violent crackdown by Iranian authorities on protesters as the death toll rises.
"When a regime needs weapons to confront unarmed people, that is not power, it is fear and cowardice," the post said, according to a translation next to a clip showing what appears to be an officer firing his gun, "real power lies with unarmed protesters who stand up to that brutality."
In a follow up post, the State Department criticized the Islamic Republic regime for declaring three days of public mourning for the security officials killed during the protests.
“Mourning for the oppressors, bullets for the people; this is the Islamic Republic regime's vision of justice,” the X post said, “you cannot mourn the perpetrators of crimes while shedding the blood of innocent Iranians in the streets.”
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