G7 warns Iran of new sanctions over protest crackdown

On January 14, G7 nations said they were “gravely concerned” by developments surrounding the ongoing protests in Iran, warning that further sanctions could follow if the authorities continue their violent crackdown.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with the European Union’s high representative, said they were “deeply alarmed at the high level of reported deaths and injuries” linked to the unrest, Caliber.Az reports via Iran International. 

The G7 urged Iranian authorities to “exercise full restraint, refrain from violence, and uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Iran’s citizens.”

“The members of the G7 remain prepared to impose additional restrictive measures if Iran continues to crack down on protests and dissent in violation of international human rights obligations,” the statement said.

Protests in Iran erupted on December 28, 2025, beginning with economic grievances and spreading to all 31 provinces, reportedly involving millions.  

Iranian authorities imposed a near-total nationwide internet blackout to disrupt coordination and obscure the scale of repression. Security forces (including IRGC) have used live ammunition, leading to mass casualties. Reports vary widely due to the communications blackout, but human rights groups estimate from 2,000 to 12,000 protesters killed, with over 10,000–18,000 arrested.

By Khagan Isayev