EconoTicker

U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham wrote on X that the “final blow” against Iran’s clerical rulers will come from a combination of what he called the protesters’ “rare, patriotic courage” and decisive action by Donald Trump. Graham added that the turning point in what he described as a long path will be “Trump’s will,” underscoring his push for stronger U.S. involvement as Iran’s unrest continues.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said France summoned the Islamic Republic’s ambassador on Tuesday in response to what he described as an “intolerable and inhuman” crackdown aimed at quelling protests across Iran. The move signals escalating diplomatic pressure from Paris as European governments intensify criticism of Tehran’s methods to contain nationwide unrest.

U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham posted a video on X showing victims of Iran’s national uprising, saying the footage was provided to him by Prince Reza Pahlavi and his team, and described the unarmed protesters killed as “the best of humanity.” Graham argued that “the ayatollah and his agents” have crossed “every red line,” and said the time for action has come—calling for a broad mix of military, cyber, and psychological measures targeting those carrying out killings and what he described as their infrastructure, while claiming no ground forces would be needed and portraying such steps as justified.

Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political-security cabinet will meet at 7:00 p.m. local time to discuss Iran, including what Ynet described as “potential plans for transitioning to an attack” on the Islamic Republic in coordination with the United States. The meeting comes as regional tensions rise and Israel remains on heightened alert amid signals Washington is weighing multiple options in response to the crackdown and escalatory rhetoric from Tehran.

Günter Fehlinger, described as the head of an Austrian NATO enlargement/expansion committee, wrote on X calling on the European Union and NATO to “declare war” on what he labeled Iran’s “terrorist regime,” and to make the “freedom of the Iranian people” an immediate European strategic objective. The post reflects a sharper tone in parts of the international commentary as Iran’s domestic unrest drives increasingly hardline rhetoric abroad.

Britain’s Telegraph newspaper criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s subdued response to Iran’s nationwide protests, arguing that issuing a statement is not sufficient. The commentary reflects rising pressure in the UK debate for a tougher, more consequential stance—moving beyond rhetoric—amid reports of escalating repression and a widening international backlash.

Alex Younger, the former head of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), said the unfolding “national revolution” in Iran points to the Islamic Republic’s eventual collapse, arguing the leadership has “no way through” the crisis. Younger said the dynamic is “fundamentally” an endgame for the regime because it has no credible response and cannot meet the needs of the Iranian people. He added that Iran’s supreme leader has opposed compromise “relentlessly” since day one, leaving the system with little room to maneuver.

Margot Wallström, Sweden’s former foreign minister, wrote on X that Germany and Australia have “clearly” stated Iran’s regime lacks legitimacy in the eyes of its own people, arguing the rest of the world should say the same. She said she expects Sweden and the European Union to follow suit, urging the EU to immediately designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, recall ambassadors from Iran, and examine how it can help Iranians regain access to the internet.

Spain’s government summoned the Islamic Republic’s ambassador in Madrid on Tuesday, 23 Dey 1404 (January 13, 2026), to convey what it called its “strong opposition and severe condemnation” of the crackdown on Iran’s national revolution. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares told Catalunya Ràdio that Iranian men and women’s right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression must be respected, adding that arbitrary detentions should be brought to an end.

Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said on Tuesday, 23 Dey 1404 (January 13, 2026), that Helsinki will summon the Islamic Republic’s ambassador in response to Iran’s nationwide internet shutdown and what she described as violent repression of protests. Writing on X, Valtonen said the regime cut the internet “so it can kill and suppress in silence,” adding that the situation is “unbearable,” that Finland stands with the Iranian people “without distinction between women and men,” and that Finland is working with the EU on possible measures aimed at helping restore freedom in Iran.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “shocked” by reports of violence and the excessive use of force by Iranian authorities against protesters across multiple parts of Iran, noting that the actions have resulted in dozens of deaths and many injuries. Guterres urged the Islamic Republic to exercise maximum restraint, avoid unnecessary or disproportionate force, and take steps to restore access to information in the country, including bringing communications back online.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Iran’s use of force against protesters is “not a sign of strength, but of weakness,” urging Tehran’s leadership to protect its population and warning that additional EU sanctions are being prepared. Separately, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced that all Iranian diplomatic staff and any other representatives of the Islamic Republic are barred from entering any European Parliament premises, framing the move as a response to the crackdown.