"The United Nations has voiced concern over the situation in Iran amid escalating rhetoric between Washington and Tehran. UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the UN was ‘extremely concerned’ by the violence that erupted in Iran, after weeks of protests and unrest. “We continue to be extremely concerned by the situation in Iran on the ground, by the pictures that are coming out of protesters having been killed, of violence in the demonstrations,” Dujarric told reporters on Wednesday, urging the Iranian authorities to allow peaceful protests and to protect the right to demonstrate. Responding to a question about a letter from Iran’s UN mission blaming the United States and Israel for civilian deaths, Dujarric noted that the UN is currently in no position to comment on the claims, but stressed that its priority is the safety of protesters exercising their right to peaceful assembly. Asked about reports that the United States could launch military strikes against Iran, Dujarric declined to comment directly, reiterating the UN’s concern over escalating rhetoric. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran with action if Tehran fires on those protesting against the establishment. On Wednesday, Trump said he had been 'reliably informed' that Iran would not execute protesters in detention, which had been reportedly planned, however he did not rule out military intervention, preferring to 'wait and see'. Protests have been ongoing in Iran since December and have intensified in recent days and weeks. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei claimed some rioters were destroying property to 'please' the US president."