Iran faced continued unrest on Tuesday as an official told Reuters that about 2,000 people have been killed during nationwide protests. The official blamed “terrorists” for the deaths. Authorities began easing a communications blackout, allowing some international calls for the first time in days. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the regime may be in its “final days”, adding that a system surviving only through violence is finished. Protests began in late December over economic concerns and later turned political. Courts have started hearing protest cases, with senior judicial officials warning that charges such as moharebeh could bring the death penalty under Iranian law. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday warned states that it may fix heavy compensation for every dog bite, injury or death, especially involving children and the elderly. Justice Vikram Nath said the court wanted strict use of existing laws and that the issue had turned into a “public platform”. He added that people who feed stray dogs may also face liability. The remarks came during a hearing on rising dog bite cases. The court had earlier ordered removal of stray dogs from schools, hospitals and transport hubs. It also directed local bodies to stop dogs from returning to unsafe areas and to set up proper shelters and feeding zones. (PC: NDTV)

President Donald Trump has been briefed on military and covert options for possible action in Iran, US officials told CBS News. The options include long range air strikes, cyber moves and steps to disrupt command systems. The talks come as rights groups say more than 600 protesters have died in three weeks of unrest. Trump has warned that the US could act if the killings continue. He also announced a 25% tariff on goods from countries that trade with Tehran. Iran’s foreign minister said the country is open to talks but “prepared for war”. A White House meeting on Iran is due on Tuesday. (PC: BBC)

Iranian authorities are set to execute 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, marking the first reported hanging linked to the nationwide anti-Khamenei protests. Arrested on January 8 in Karaj suburb for participating in demonstrations, Soltani faces imminent execution scheduled for Wednesday. Unlike previous protest-related deaths by shooting, this hanging could establish a precedent for deterring further dissent. Human rights groups report Soltani has been denied legal counsel, defense presentation, and transparent proceedings. His lawyer sister cannot access case files or represent him. The protests erupted in late December 2025 due to economic collapse plummeting currency, soaring inflation, and rising costs. What started as economic demonstrations has evolved into Iran's largest anti-regime movement in years, demanding political reform and ending clerical rule. (PC:  X, Reuters)

Iran’s rulers are facing their most serious challenge since the 1979 revolution, analysts say, as protests continue across the country. Security forces have launched a wide crackdown and imposed a near total internet shutdown. Some streets that saw large rallies last week are now quieter, residents told foreign media. The unrest began after a sharp fall in the currency pushed up prices. President Donald Trump has warned of possible US action and said Tehran has sought talks, though he added pressure could continue. Iran’s foreign minister said the situation is “under total control”. Rights groups report rising deaths and arrests. (PC: BBC)

A 28-year-old Hindu auto driver, Samir Das, was beaten and stabbed to death in Daganbhuiyan in Bangladesh’s Chittagong region on Sunday night, local media reported. Police said the attackers used sharp weapons and then stole his battery-run auto rickshaw. An officer said the killing appeared to be “pre-planned” and efforts were on to identify the suspects. Rights groups have raised concern over a rise in attacks on minority communities ahead of the February national election. India said it is monitoring the situation and urged Bangladesh to act firmly against communal violence. (PC: NDTV)

Two China-flagged very large crude carriers, Xingye and Thousand Sunny, were headed to Venezuela to pick up crude oil owed to China under a debt-for-oil arrangement, shipping data shows. Both ships had been anchored in the Atlantic for weeks waiting to enter Venezuelan ports. They have now turned back toward Asia amid a strict US oil embargo on Venezuela and ongoing political turmoil after US forces captured President Nicolás Maduro. The change in course underscores the difficulty of moving Venezuelan oil under US sanctions and export controls. The embargo aims to prevent sanctioned vessels from entering or leaving Venezuelan waters. (PC: India Today)

At least 648 people have died in Iran during a crackdown on anti-government protests, according to the Norway-based group Iran Human Rights. The group said the toll could be higher because a nationwide internet shutdown is blocking checks. The protests began after Iran’s currency lost value and prices rose. US President Donald Trump said Washington was weighing “very strong options” if protesters were harmed. After the remarks, Iran’s supreme leader accused the United States of “deceit” and said unrest was driven by “treacherous mercenaries”. State media aired images of pro-government rallies. Most foreign media cannot report from inside Iran due to access limits. (PC: BBC)

Turkey is in advanced talks to join the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia collective defence pact, Bloomberg reported. The agreement treats any aggression against one nation as an attack on all, similar to NATO's Article 5. Turkey, NATO's second-largest force, has significantly aided Pakistan militarily, providing over 350 drones during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, along with trained operators. Turkey is helping build corvette warships for Pakistan and upgrading F-16 jets. Analyst Nihat Ali Ozcan noted Turkey brings military experience, Pakistan offers nuclear capability and ballistic missiles, while Saudi Arabia provides financial clout. The trilateral alliance could reshape security partnerships across West Asia, South Asia, and Africa, potentially complicating relations with the US, NATO, Iran, and India. (PC: X)

London's Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley announced the city's homicide rate fell to its lowest in over a decade, with 97 homicides in 2025, an 11% reduction from 2024. Rowley countered President Donald Trump's claims about violent crime, stating London is safer than New York, Los Angeles, and several European capitals on a per capita basis. He criticized AI-generated videos and online commentators promoting false narratives despite factual evidence showing declining serious violent crime. Violent incidents causing injury dropped 20% since 2014. Trump previously claimed London had "no-go" areas and criticized Mayor Sadiq Khan for "letting crime go." However, British perceptions remain negative due to surging shoplifting, which reached all-time highs. (PC: Reuters)