Iranians rally in New Zealand backing protests

An Iranian economist said the country’s latest inflation surge has lasted longer than previous episodes, warning that growth will remain weak under continued sanctions.

Teimour Rahmani, an economics professor at the University of Tehran, said sanctions are unlikely to be lifted soon, keeping economic expansion subdued.

The recent inflation jump, Rahmani added, differs from past spikes and has set a record in terms of duration.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pushed back on US President Donald Trump’s remarks that 32,000 people were killed in Iran in a short period, calling on him to provide evidence.

“Iran's Government has already published a comprehensive list of all 3117 victims of recent terrorist operation, including about 200 officers,” Araghchi wrote on X.

“If anyone disputes accuracy of our data, please share any evidence,” he added.

Australia’s government urged its citizens to avoid travel to Iran and leave the country if safe to do so, warning of possible military conflict and airspace disruptions, according to updated Smarttraveller advice.

“Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice,” the government said, cautioning that commercial flights remain available but could change quickly due to recent airspace closures and flight restrictions.

The advisory described Iran’s security situation as extremely volatile and warned Australians, including dual nationals, face a high risk of detention.

Citizens remaining in the country were advised to avoid public gatherings and protests and prepare to shelter in place with sufficient supplies of food, water and medication.

Donald Trump is weighing a narrow Iran nuclear deal that could permit ‘token’ uranium enrichment while simultaneously being presented with Pentagon options that include a plan to kill Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son, Axios reported on Friday citing senior US officials and advisers.

"The media may continue to speculate on the President's thinking all they want, but only President Trump knows what he may or may not do," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told Axios.

The United States on Friday pledged to keep imposing visa restrictions on individuals involved in violently repressing and censoring Iranians, Assistant Secretary posted on X.

​“The United States will continue to pursue visa restrictions for individuals who violently repress and censor Iranians seeking to exercise their freedom of expression,” Mora Namdar said.