Appropriating the death count: Manufacturing consent for an attack on Iran
Protest death toll speculations are used to rally support for an attack on Iran and downplay the genocide in Gaza.

Protest death toll speculations are used to rally support for an attack on Iran and downplay the genocide in Gaza.










President Donald Trump says he is speaking to Iran’s leadership amid a US military build-up in the Middle East.
Diplomatic efforts intensify as Iran emphasises defensive readiness over negotiations with the US.
![Iranians drive past a huge banner of former Iran Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani ahead of the sixth anniversary of his assassination at Valiasr Square in Tehran, Iran, 30 December 2025. [Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/13610431_cropped-1769715696.jpg?resize=730%2C410&quality=80)
Iran’s foreign minister labelled the EU as hypocritical after designating the IRGC a “terrorist” organisation.
Iranian authorities reject European Union’s measures, denouncing the IRGC blacklisting as ‘illogical and irresponsible’.

Turkish foreign minister warns against escalation with Iran, explaining how Ankara sees the future of regional security.

Trump is building up a military force in the Middle East, saying the US is ready to strike Iran.
From enriched uranium and ballistic missiles to sanctions and regional influence, the differences are many.
China warns against US ‘military adventurism’ as Iran tensions escalate