UN condemns excessive force in Iran, urges restraint and restoration of communications

The United Nations said the secretary‑general was "shocked by the reports of violence and excessive use of force by the Iranian authorities against protesters in multiple locations" and urged Tehran to exercise maximum restraint.

"All Iranians must be able to express their grievances peacefully and without fear of repression," the spokesperson said, adding that the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly "as enshrined in international law must be respected and fully protected."

Reporters asked whether the secretary‑general had direct contact with senior Iranian leadership; the spokesperson said he had not and that communications remain challenging. When asked whether the UN considers lethal force against protesters to be a violation of international human rights, the spokesperson replied affirmatively: "It is. There is an inherent right for people to protest peacefully."

Other questions addressed reports the Iranian foreign minister alleged foreign involvement in violence and whether threats by external actors could constitute violations of the UN Charter; the spokesperson said the letter from Iran would be circulated as requested and reiterated the UN's concern about warlike rhetoric and a call for dialogue.

The UN said its human rights colleagues are using multiple means to collect information despite communications constraints but that the office does not have a single hard number it can independently verify for deaths; it confirmed that a number of civilians have been killed.