Brussels: The EU Council on Friday condemned the 'use of violence, arbitrary detention' in protests in Iran, according to a statement. 'The EU expresses its solidarity with the Iranian people as they voice their legitimate aspiration for a better life, freedom and dignity. We follow closely and with great concern the reports on casualties and condemn the use of violence, arbitrary detention, and intimidation tactics by security forces against demonstrators,' it said on its website.

According to Anadolu Agency, the EU statement further demanded the immediate release of individuals unjustly detained for exercising their fundamental rights. The EU urged Iranian authorities to adhere to Iran's international obligations and fully uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. Additionally, the EU called for ensuring the right of access to information, including restoring access to the internet for all.

Iran has been facing waves of protests since late December due to a sharp decline in the value of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions. The demonstrations began on December 28 near Tehran's Grand Bazaar and subsequently spread to several cities. The country has been offline for more than 12 hours, as reported by internet watchdog NetBlocks.

While Iranian officials have not released official casualty statistics, the Human Rights Activists News Agency reported on Thursday that 2,277 people had been arrested, dozens injured, and 42 killed, including eight security personnel. Media reports stated that eight members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed in Thursday's protests in the western city of Kermanshah.

Al Jazeera, citing the Fars News Agency, posted on the US social media company X about the killings of members of this high-profile force. Iran has accused the US and Israel of inciting the unrest, with officials warning on Friday that security forces and the judiciary "will show no tolerance whatsoever toward saboteurs."