U.N. briefing urges restraint, independent probes after nationwide protests in Iran

Martha Ama Akiyapobbe, a delegate who delivered the U.N. briefing, said the secretary‑general has expressed "deep concern over the reported excessive use of force in Iran" and urged immediate steps to prevent further casualties.

The briefing said demonstrations began in December 2025 when shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar protested a sharp currency collapse and rising inflation; the unrest "rapidly evolved into nationwide upheaval," the speaker said, and was described as the largest protests since the Woman, Life, Freedom demonstrations of 2022. Ms. Akiyapobbe said protesters demanded "freedom, dignity, and human rights," and that some chanted pro‑monarchy slogans.

She told the meeting that initial protests were largely peaceful but there were "scattered clashes"…