ROME 

The Italian government expressed “deep concern” Tuesday for the situation in Iran and urged authorities to respect the rights of its citizens amid a crackdown on dissent that has reportedly left thousands dead.

"Italy calls on the Iranian authorities to ensure respect for the rights of the people, including the right to expression and peaceful assembly, and the safety of those demonstrating in the streets,” the conservative government led by Giorgia Meloni said in a statement.

“Together with its European and G7 partners, the Italian government continues to work towards a positive solution to the crisis, respectful of the Iranian people's aspirations for freedom and equal rights," it added.

As protests continue to fill the streets, Iran has intensified violent repression. Italy, alongside the EU and the US, is sending explicit messages to Tehran aimed at preventing further chaos and bloodshed.

Iran has been rocked by protests since late December, beginning at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, on Dec. 28, amid a sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions. Demonstrations later spread to several cities across the country.

There are no official casualty figures, but HRANA, a US-based rights group, said at least 646 people have been killed, including security forces and protesters, with more than 1,000 injured.

The group also reported that at least 10,681 people have been detained during protests at 585 locations nationwide, including 186 cities across all 31 provinces.

The US military is evaluating “powerful options” for potential intervention in Iran, amid the intensifying violent repression.