• Iranian protests have resulted in a death toll of at least 648, with warnings of potential discrepancies.
• US President Trump announced tariffs on countries trading with Iran due to the protests and violence.
• The Iranian government staged mass rallies, asserting claims of foreign interference in the protests.
• Authorities have imposed an internet blackout, complicating verification of protest reports.
• The international community is reacting, with calls for diplomatic solutions and potential sanctions against Iran.

A significant crackdown on protests in Iran has led to a reported death toll of at least 648 people, according to the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) and reports from rights groups. Amidst this turmoil, Iranian authorities organized mass rallies, showcasing thousands of participants in support of the government, which Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei referred to as a sign of victory over what he terms "foreign interference" in domestic matters, highlighting a narrative that the protests have waned. Reports indicate that as many as 10,721 people have been arrested amid the unrest, underlining the scale of the government's response to dissent, as detailed by Channel News Asia, Le Monde, and AA.

The Iranian government faces heightened scrutiny amid claims of a significant crackdown. The IHR has warned that the actual death toll could exceed 6,000 due to the ongoing violence and suppression of public dissent. Furthermore, rights organizations have noted that an internet blackout lasting over 100 hours is obstructing verification of these grave reports, exacerbating concerns over human rights violations during this crisis, as stated by Channel News Asia, Le Monde, and AA.

In response to the escalating protests, which began over economic grievances such as the depreciation of the Iranian rial, US President Donald Trump has announced that any nation conducting business with Iran will face a 25 percent tariff. Trump’s aggressive stance includes military options being on the table should the situation deteriorate further, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicating that diplomacy remains a priority. The situation remains fluid, prompting ongoing discussions in international political arenas about the implications and potential sanctions targeting the Iranian regime, according to Channel News Asia, Le Monde, and AA.

International reactions are also unfolding, notably from European nations. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the state violence against protesters, calling for respect for their rights while expressing support for the calls for increased sanctions from the European Union. Events continue to escalate as Iran's leadership maintains a firm grip on power, asserting that external forces are fueling the turmoil, as emphasized by Channel News Asia, Le Monde, and AA.