Iranian protesters may be harmed by foreign public endorsements

Some foreign officials have publicly encouraged Iranian protesters, and Iranian authorities say such messages are evidence of foreign backing while activists report at least 35 killed and about 1,200 detained.

Iranians have taken to the streets again to protest economic collapse, repression and political grievances. The protests are widespread and tied to long-standing frustrations about governance and livelihoods. In recent days, several foreign officials publicly voiced support for demonstrators, and that messaging has become part of the public debate about the protests. Key reported facts: - Foreign officials publicly encouraged protesters, according to coverage of recent statements. - Iranian authorities have framed those endorsements as proof of foreign involvement and announced a tougher stance toward demonstrators. - Activists report at least 35 people killed and about 1,200 detained amid the protests. Summary: Statements by outside governments have been used by Iranian officials to portray the unrest as foreign-backed, which coverage says has raised the risk of harsher repression for people on the ground. Undetermined at this time.