Iran Protests: Easing Tensions or a Sudden Calm? India's Shashi Tharoor Weighs In
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Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed cautious optimism about Iran's situation on Wednesday, citing reports of a possible easing of tensions. However, he emphasized that assessments are limited due to Iran's extended communications blackout. Tharoor pointed to the cancellation of executions for over 800 detainees and US President Donald Trump's decision to hold off on military strikes as hopeful signs. He noted that Gulf countries are likely worried about the geopolitical consequences of a wider escalation. "I think we may have turned a corner," Tharoor said, "But we're not getting 100 per cent accurate information." The comments come as anti-government protests in Iran appear to have slowed, with limited fresh visuals emerging from the country. The protests, which began in late December, have reportedly killed thousands. Human rights groups estimate that between 3,000 to 20,000 people have been killed, although the actual toll is difficult to verify due to restrictions on independent verification. Despite the apparent lull, uncertainty persists. Iran's exiled prince Reza Pahlavi has called for renewed protests against the theocratic establishment. International pressure has fluctuated alongside the unrest. Tharoor also addressed the situation in Gaza, saying that while a peace process has begun, the ground reality remains grim. "It's not peaceful for everyone yet," he said, adding that there is still no clear information on progress towards the disarmament of Hamas. In a separate development, the White House has announced a board to supervise Gaza's temporary governance during a transitional period. The board, chaired by Trump, includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former British prime minister Tony Blair, among others. No Palestinians have been named to the founding executive board. The move has drawn criticism from rights experts, who argue that an external board supervising a foreign territory resembles a colonial structure. Israel's assault on Gaza has killed tens of thousands, triggered a severe hunger crisis, and displaced the enclave's entire population. Multiple rights experts and a UN inquiry have said the campaign amounts to genocide, a charge Israel rejects.
