Plumes of smoke rise above the skyline of Tehran, Iran’s capitol, after explosions in the city on Sunday. Protests have occurred across the Middle East, including one in Pakistan where more than 20 people died. Photo by Hossein Esmaeili/UPI | License Photo
Some 22 people were killed amid anti-U.S. protests in Pakistan Sunday, following the U.S.-Israeli offensive Saturday that left 200 people dead.
In Karachi, at least 10 people were killed as they attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate, while two were killed in Islamabad and another 10 killed in Gilgit-Baltistan, the New York Times reported.
“When Iran is attacked, we feel our faith, our identity and our very existence are being targeted,” a student protestor in Karachi said, The Times reported.
The country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was among the dead following the U.S. and Israeli attacks.
In response, protests are swelling across the region, including in Iraq and India.
“We must also ensure that those who are mourning in Jammu and Kashmir are allowed to grieve peacefully,” said the area’s chief minister Omar Abdullah, NDTV World reported. “The police and administration should exercise utmost restrain and refrain from using force or restrictive measures.”
Barron’s reported that protests against the U.S. are anticipated in North Africa, South Asia and across the Middle East.
The U.S.-Israeli airstrikes followed indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran regarding nuclear weapons on Thursday.
Iranian officials had said that additional talks were planned.
President Trump had previously increased military presence in the region and threatened escalation if no deal was reached.
This week in Washington
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., speaks during a press conference after the weekly Republican Senate caucus luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
