European countries have united in strong condemnation of Iran's brutal suppression of ongoing anti-government demonstrations, with several governments summoning Iranian envoys on Tuesday to demand an immediate end to the violence and respect for fundamental human rights.
The protests, which began on December 28, 2025, in Tehran's historic Grand Bazaar, were initially triggered by a catastrophic collapse of the Iranian rial—dropping to unprecedented lows—and runaway inflation that has deepened economic hardship for millions. What started as merchant-led grievances over currency devaluation and soaring prices rapidly transformed into widespread calls for regime change, better governance, and greater freedoms, spreading to cities across all 31 provinces of Iran.
Iranian security forces have responded with lethal force, including live ammunition against largely peaceful crowds, mass arbitrary arrests, and a near-complete nationwide internet blackout imposed around January 8, 2026. The communications shutdown has severely restricted independent reporting, access to information, and the ability of citizens to organize or share evidence of the crackdown.
In the United Kingdom, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper addressed the House of Commons, describing the "horrendous and brutal killing" of protesters and confirming that the Iranian ambassador had been summoned to the Foreign Office. She highlighted horrific reports of violence and deaths, condemned the regime's internet blackout, and announced plans for expanded sanctions targeting Iran's finance, energy, transport, software, and other critical sectors.
France summoned the Iranian envoy to its Foreign Ministry, issuing its strongest condemnation of the "state violence inflicted indiscriminately on peaceful demonstrators."
Germany called in its Iranian ambassador to protest the violent repression. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking during a visit to India, declared that the Islamic Republic is living through its "final days and weeks," stating that a regime which can only maintain power through force is effectively finished.
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani summoned Iran's ambassador, describing the extremely high death toll among protesters as "absolutely unacceptable."
Spain summoned Ambassador Reza Zabib to formally convey its strong repudiation and condemnation of the ongoing crackdown. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares expressed deep concern over events unfolding for days and affirmed that Spain is closely monitoring the situation.
Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen announced on social media that she would summon the Iranian ambassador, accusing the regime of shutting down the internet "to be able to kill and oppress in silence."
Portugal's Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian envoy to condemn the violent repression of demonstrations and to reiterate that the rights of Iranian citizens must be fully respected.
The Netherlands' Foreign Minister David van Weel expressed being "deeply shocked by the bloody repression of peaceful demonstrations" during his meeting with the Iranian diplomat.
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin emphasized existing European Union sanctions against Iran and called for an immediate end to repression, along with greater freedoms, the right to free assembly, and free speech.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the rising number of casualties as "horrifying" and unequivocally condemned the excessive use of force and continued restrictions on freedom. She announced that, in close coordination with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, additional sanctions targeting those responsible for the repression would be proposed swiftly.
No official casualty figures have been released by Iranian authorities, which have instead accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating "riots" and "terrorism." However, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has documented at least 646 confirmed deaths—including protesters, security personnel, and bystanders—with more than 1,000 injured and over 10,000 people detained across 585 locations in 186 cities nationwide. These figures represent minimum verified counts amid the severe communications restrictions and limited access for independent monitors.
The coordinated diplomatic summons and public condemnations from across Europe reflect mounting international alarm over the scale and intensity of the unrest. Analysts widely regard the current wave of protests as one of the most serious challenges to Iran's clerical leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, driven by deep economic despair, widespread disillusionment, and long-standing demands for political reform.
As the situation continues to unfold, European leaders have called for restraint, respect for human rights, and a peaceful path forward, while signaling readiness to impose further pressure on Tehran through targeted sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
