G7 Nations Threaten New Sanctions as Iran’s Protest Death Toll Exceeds 2,500

The Group of Seven (G7) nations issued a stark warning to Iran on Wednesday, threatening additional sanctions if the regime continues its violent suppression of nationwide protests that have reportedly claimed more than 2,500 lives.

In a unified statement, foreign ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the European Union’s high representative, expressed “grave concern” over mounting reports of mass casualties, widespread injuries, and alleged human rights abuses resulting from the ongoing unrest.

“We strongly oppose the intensification of the Iranian authorities’ brutal repression of the Iranian people, who have been bravely voicing legitimate aspirations for a better life, dignity and freedom, since the end of December 2025,” the statement read.

The Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) has documented 2,403 protester deaths to date, though other reports suggest the actual death toll may exceed 3,000. Experts believe the true figure could be significantly higher due to information restrictions imposed by Iranian authorities.

The G7 ministers condemned what they described as the “deliberate use of violence and the killing of protesters, arbitrary detention, and intimidation tactics by security forces against demonstrators.” Their statement urged Iranian authorities to show restraint and end the use of force against civilians, emphasizing Tehran’s obligation to respect fundamental freedoms including expression, information access, association, and peaceful assembly.

The protests, which erupted on December 28, initially stemmed from deepening economic distress and the collapse of the Iranian rial. What began as localized economic demonstrations quickly evolved into nationwide anti-government protests challenging the regime’s legitimacy.

Reports from inside Iran indicate authorities have responded with increasing force. Security forces have reportedly fired live ammunition into crowds in several cities, conducted mass arrests, and pushed for expedited trials and executions of detained protesters, despite international warnings.

“Iran’s continued crackdown in violation of international human rights obligations could prompt further restrictive measures from the G7,” the ministers cautioned. While specific new sanctions weren’t detailed in the joint statement, the warning signals a unified stance among Western powers prepared to escalate pressure on the Iranian regime.

The G7’s threat comes at a sensitive moment for Iran, which is already struggling under existing international sanctions affecting its oil exports and financial systems. Additional sanctions could further isolate Iran’s economy and potentially exacerbate the economic conditions that helped trigger the protests.

U.S. President Donald Trump has separately threatened potential action if Iranian authorities continue their violent crackdown. The administration has signaled it is coordinating with allies on a range of possible responses, including targeted sanctions against Iranian officials responsible for human rights abuses.

Human rights organizations have documented systematic attempts by Iranian authorities to suppress information about the protests, including internet shutdowns and restrictions on journalists. Despite these efforts, videos and reports continue to emerge showing security forces using tear gas, beating protesters, and conducting nighttime raids to arrest demonstration organizers.

The international community’s response has grown increasingly forceful as the death toll rises, with the G7’s statement representing the most coordinated warning to date from major global powers. The coming weeks will likely determine whether these warnings translate into concrete action as Iran faces mounting pressure both internally from protesters and externally from concerned nations.