Human rights concerns
British Media: Iran Used 'Toxic Chemical Substance' on Protesters
International alarm grows after a GB News report alleges Iran is deploying toxic chemical substances against protesters. Former MP Bill Rammell warns of 'delayed deaths' and severe human rights violations as the death toll in the crackdown reportedly exceeds 12,000.
A report aired on British broadcaster GB News has sparked international alarm, alleging that Iranian security forces may have deployed a "toxic chemical substance" against protesters during the ongoing nationwide unrest, potentially leading to delayed deaths among the injured. The claim has not been verified by independent sources but has fueled calls for global intervention amid Iran's brutal crackdown.
In the GB News segment, former UK Labour MP Bill Rammell, a member of the Labour Foreign Policy Group, referenced a "credible report" from Iranian-Kurdish sources detailing severe mistreatment of detainees. "People believe some kind of toxic chemical substance has been used against protesters, causing some of the injured to lose their lives days later," Rammell stated, adding that the number of killed and injured is "very high."
He described the alleged tactics as crossing a line that could trigger international action, though he emphasized the report's credibility without providing further details.
The Jerusalem Post echoed the report, citing UK officials and noting "delayed deaths" from the substances, framing it as a potential use of chemical agents in the suppression efforts.
Newsweek confirmed Rammell's comments, clarifying the source as "credible Iranian-Kurdish sources," but noted no response from Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Iranian authorities have not commented on the specific claims but have consistently blamed foreign powers, including the U.S. and Israel, for inciting the protests that erupted in late December 2025 over economic collapse, inflation, and demands for regime change.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei labeled U.S. President Donald Trump a "criminal" for supporting demonstrators, amid reports of thousands killed in the crackdown, including mass shootings and internet blackouts.
Human rights groups like Amnesty International and Iran Human Rights have documented widespread violence, with estimates of over 12,000 deaths, but have not independently confirmed chemical weapon use.
The UK Foreign Office has summoned Iran's ambassador over the "violence and killings," urging an end to repression, but has not addressed the chemical allegations directly.
The UN Security Council held an emergency session on January 14, calling for independent investigations into protester deaths.
If substantiated, such actions would constitute a grave human rights violation under international law, potentially invoking the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine. However, skepticism persists, with analysts noting a lack of concrete evidence amid Iran's information blackout.