Iran protests: UN Security Council to meet today

The council has scheduled a meeting today afternoon in the Middle East. Alma Konurbayeva, a spokeswoman for council president Kazakhstan, confirms the session will be about Iran. It's not yet clear ho

By PTI

Updated: Friday, January 5, 2018, 12:05 [IST]

United Nations, Jan 5: At the request of the US, which asked for the session to show support for anti-government protests, the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting about Iran.

Pro-government supporters in Tehran. PTI file photo

The council has scheduled a meeting on Friday afternoon in the Middle East. Alma Konurbayeva, a spokeswoman for council president Kazakhstan, confirms the session will be about Iran. It's not yet clear how the discussion will take shape.

Members are divided in their views of the protests. US Ambassador Nikki Haley has praised the demonstrators, saying "the UN must speak out" to support them.

But Russia has warned against "external interference" in what it sees as an Iran's internal affairs.

At least 21 people have been killed and hundreds arrested in a week of protests and unrest followed by pro-government rallies on Wednesday and Thursday.

PTI