Iran must show maximum restraint toward protesters, French diplomatic source says

By Reuters 9 January 2026, 10:34 am

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Protesters wave the national flag of Iran as they gather for a demonstration against the Iranian regime's crackdown on protests, in central Paris, on January 4, 2026. (Blanca CRUZ / AFP)

Iran’s authorities must show maximum restraint toward protesters who have a legitimate right to demonstrate, a French diplomatic source says.

A nationwide internet blackout was reported in Iran yesterday, internet monitoring group NetBlocks says, as anti-government protests over economic hardships continued around the country.

“We deplore the deaths of several protesters and call on the Iranian authorities to fully investigate the circumstances surrounding these deaths,” the source says. “We reaffirm our commitment to freedom of expression and assembly and call on Iran to respect all of its obligations under its international commitments.”