A rare bipartisan resolution denouncing the Iranian government’s “indiscriminate and harsh suppression” and calling for “responsible action by the international community” to protect civilian lives was passed Friday. The motion, introduced by Rep. Lee Un-ju, a Supreme Council member of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, was signed by 77 lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.
“As a country that directly experienced the horrific consequences of state violence through events such as the May 18 Democratic Movement, the Republic of Korea cannot turn a blind eye to the current situation in Iran,” Lee said in a statement.
She added, “I hope this resolution will serve as a small spark of hope for the people of Iran, who are suffering under economic hardship and the suppression of freedom and democracy.”
Kim argued that Iran’s government “is violating both of these rights” and said the international community must work collectively to protect Iranian civilians.
Casualty figures remain disputed. The Sunday Times reported on Saturday, citing accounts from local doctors, that between 16,500 and 18,000 people have been killed and more than 330,000 injured. Other estimates cited by rights groups range from several thousand to significantly higher figures, though independent verification remains difficult.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Monday that “an attack on our nation’s Supreme Leader is equivalent to a full-scale war against the Iranian state.” He also blamed “longstanding hostility and inhumane sanctions imposed by the U.S. government and its allies” for the country’s economic hardship.
U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with Politico on Saturday that it was time to find “new leadership” for Iran — remarks widely interpreted as referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has ruled for 37 years.
According to the Associated Press, Khamenei said in a speech broadcast by state television on Saturday that “forces linked to Israel and the United States hurt people, killing thousands,” while denying that Iranian authorities were responsible for a violent crackdown.
The remarks marked the first time Khamenei directly addressed casualty figures linked to the anti-government protests, which have continued since Dec. 28, 2025.
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