Death Toll Exceeds 2,500 Amid Ongoing Protests in Iran
The Iranian human rights organization HRANA has updated the grim toll from recent protests, reporting at least 2,571 fatalities. Among the deceased, 2,403 were demonstrators, while 147 were government officials. This tragic count also includes twelve minors and nine civilians not involved in the protests.
This latest death toll dramatically eclipses those from previous protests in Iran over the last few decades. In just two weeks, the casualties have already surpassed four times the number recorded following the demonstrations that erupted after Mahsa Amini’s death in custody of the morality police in 2022.
On Tuesday, Iranian state television acknowledged the high death toll for the first time, describing those lost as “many martyrs,” attributing the violence to “armed groups and terrorists.” This unprecedented admission underscores the severity of the situation the nation faces.
PROTESTS: The demonstrations in Iran continue.
Photo: AP
2025 Recorded as Third Warmest Year
In a significant report released by the EU’s climate monitoring service Copernicus, 2025 has been identified as the third warmest year on record, with temperatures reaching 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for a consecutive three years. This year was only slightly cooler than 2023 and recorded 0.13 degrees less than the hottest year to date, 2024. Alarmingly, the past eleven years have been the warmest on record.
“While this trend is anticipated, its magnitude is quite dramatic,” remarked climate researcher Bjørn Hallvard Samset from Cicero. He emphasized the rapid pace of climate change, warning that we can expect more extreme weather conditions that threaten lives and infrastructure. If this trajectory continues, we could breach the 1.5-degree threshold as early as 2030.
In 2025, half of the globe’s land areas experienced unusual heat stress for an extended duration, leading to devastating forest fires across Europe and North America. Climate and Environment Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen acknowledged the pressing need to reduce emissions, while also highlighting the positive strides being made in renewable energy investments.
Tragic Crane Collapse Claims Lives in Thailand
A crane collapse on a train in Thailand has resulted in at least twelve fatalities and injured thirty others. The accident occurred Wednesday morning in Nakhon Ratchasima province, approximately 230 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. Authorities report that the train derailed and caught fire, though firefighters swiftly contained the blaze.
Government to Tighten Refugee Mobility Regulations
Several municipalities are facing challenges with refugees who move to their regions after the expiration of integration grants without securing employment. Labor and Inclusion Minister Kjersti Stenseng noted that these unintended relocations place additional burdens on local resources.
The government is currently reviewing whether it can impose requirements for refugees to achieve self-sufficiency before relocating after five years, including potentially restricting their movement to certain municipalities or areas.
Some municipalities in Eastern Norway have expressed concerns that rising immigration is escalating costs related to social assistance, contributing to higher rates of child poverty and compounding existing living condition challenges.
Iran Blames US for Seeking Military Justification
In a statement that has added further tension to international relations, Iranian authorities have accused the United States of attempting to fabricate a rationale for military intervention in the country. This accusation follows President Trump’s warnings of strong consequences amid reports of significant casualties from ongoing protests against the regime.
Iran’s UN delegation posted on X, claiming that US policy is rooted in a desire for regime change, employing sanctions, threats, and engineered unrest as methods to generate a justification for military action. They asserted that such efforts would ultimately fail.
Trump mentioned on Tuesday that any execution of protesters by Iranian authorities would provoke severe responses from the United States, though he refrained from detailing what those measures might entail.
Fire Causes Evacuations in Aurskog-Høland
Fifteen residents were evacuated when a fire erupted Wednesday night in a four-unit home in Aurskog-Høland municipality. Two apartments have been rendered uninhabitable, necessitating alternative accommodations for six residents. The remaining nine individuals have been permitted to return to their homes.
The fire service was alerted to the incident at 12:33 AM and had the situation under control by 2:18 AM. Crews encountered significant flames and the potential for the fire to spread to neighboring structures. Miraculously, no injuries have been reported.
This Day in Focus
Verdict in Øygarden Murder Case Looms
A 35-year-old man faces charges in Hordaland District Court for the murder of Tina Milena Solberg in Øygarden back in January 2024. Sentencing is set for 12 PM on Wednesday.
The prosecution is seeking a custodial sentence of 16 and a half years, while the defense has argued for a term of 14 to 15 years. Experts are assessing a high risk of recidivism, noting that the defendant exhibits traits of severe antisocial personality disorder with psychopathic characteristics.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Meets with US Officials
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, alongside Greenland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Motzfeldt, is in Washington DC today for discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting is scheduled for 10:30 AM local time, which corresponds to 4:30 PM in Norway, as reported by Danish media.
The strategic significance of Greenland has heightened amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding pressure from President Trump that threatens NATO-member cooperation.
Equinor’s Legal Challenge in New York
In a high-stakes court session, Equinor is calling on a US court to overturn a halt ordered by the Trump administration. The hearing is set to begin at 4 PM Norwegian time. This legal challenge stems from a December decision by US authorities to suspend five offshore wind projects, citing national security concerns. Equinor’s Empire Wind project is among those affected.
In a related matter, a federal court recently authorized Denmark’s Ørsted to continue its offshore wind project as legal proceedings regarding the US stop order unfold.
Legal Proceedings Following Shooting of National Guardsmen
A 29-year-old Afghan man accused of shooting two National Guardsmen in Washington DC last November will face court at 3:30 PM Norwegian time. One Guardsman succumbed to his injuries, while the other is reportedly recovering from a head wound.
President Trump has condemned the shooting as an act of terrorism, indicating that the accused could face the death penalty. In the aftermath of this incident, the administration has moved to tighten immigration policies, halting all asylum decisions.
Semi-Final Showdown in the English League Cup
The English League Cup semi-finals are set to captivate fans as Chelsea takes on Arsenal in their first clash at Stamford Bridge tonight at 9 PM. The victor will advance to face the winner of the Newcastle vs. Manchester City matchup, with City leading 2-0 following the first leg last night.