The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session in New York on January 15 to address the escalating crisis in Iran, where widespread anti-government protests have been met with a severe crackdown by security forces.
The unrest, fueled by economic hardship, soaring inflation, and a collapsing currency, has resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests. The meeting was requested by the United States, which warned that it is considering all options if the violence continues. Iran denied the allegations, attributing the unrest to foreign interference, while Russia and China urged restraint, describing the situation as an internal matter.
The crisis has also affected the wider region. Iran temporarily closed its airspace to commercial flights without explanation, forcing diversions, before reopening it hours later. The U.S. advised certain personnel at a key military base in Qatar to leave as a precaution, and the U.S. embassy in Kuwait temporarily restricted travel to military sites. President Donald Trump reiterated that serious consequences could follow if violence against protesters persists, emphasizing that no options have been ruled out.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to prevent further escalation. Reports indicate that several Arab states have been working to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran. While some areas in Iran have reportedly seen a return to calm, authorities maintain a state-imposed communications blackout. Rights groups estimate that at least 2,400 protesters have been killed since the crackdown began, with thousands more detained, prompting growing international concern and calls for accountability.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced the redeployment of a carrier strike group from the South China Sea to West Asia, signaling a heightened U.S. military posture amid rising tensions with Iran.
