The Brazilian government released an official statement on Tuesday (Jan. 13) expressing concern about the demonstrations in Iran.

The protests began on December 28 in response to rising living costs in the country. Later, protesters turned against those who have governed Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

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In response to the protests, which have now spread across the country, Iranian authorities have used lethal force against the population. According to non-governmental organizations, at least 600 deaths have been recorded.

In the statement, the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs laments the deaths and defends the Iranian people’s sovereignty in deciding the course of their country.

“By stressing that it is solely up to the Iranian people to decide, in a sovereign manner, on the future of their country, Brazil urges all actors to engage in peaceful, substantive, and constructive dialogue,” the statement said.

The Brazilian government reports that, so far, there are no Brazilians among the dead or injured. The embassy in Tehran is assisting the Brazilian community in Iran.

Threats

Iranian authorities accuse the US and Israel of fomenting the protests and have threatened to attack US bases.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that peaceful protests are tolerated in the country, but said the recent disturbances are provoked by “foreign terrorists” in an attempt to justify an invasion by the US and Israel.

Donald Trump has threatened to intervene in Iran with military forces. On Monday (12), he announced that he will impose a 25 percent tariff on “any country that does business with the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

If the measure goes ahead, Brazil could be affected. Trump’s announcement has raised concerns about potential impacts on Brazilian trade, especially in agribusiness, the main beneficiary of trade relations with Tehran. The government is awaiting the publication of the US executive order before taking a position.

Brazil maintained trade of almost USD 3 billion with Iran in 2025, even though the country accounted for only 0.84 percent of Brazilian exports.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke out this Saturday morning (Jan. 3) about the United States’ attacks on Venezuela and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Lula condemned the military action and demanded a vigorous response from the United Nations (UN).

Through social media, Lula stated that such actions “cross an unacceptable line.”

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“These acts represent a very serious affront to the sovereignty of Venezuela and set yet another extremely dangerous precedent for the entire international community. Attacking countries, in flagrant violation of international law, is the first step toward a world of violence, chaos, and instability, where the law of the strongest prevails over multilateralism,” said Lula.

The Brazilian president recalled that Brazil has always opposed the use of force in other countries and regions, and noted the action is reminiscent of “the worst moments of interference in the politics of Latin America and the Caribbean.”

“Brazil condemns these actions and remains available to promote dialogue and cooperation,” he added.

An emergency meeting at the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs took place on Saturday morning to discuss the crisis in the neighboring country. President Lula participated via videoconference, as he is in Rio de Janeiro. His staff informed that the president will return to Brasília later today. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, was on vacation and will also return to Brasília today.

Attacks on Venezuela

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced this Saturday a large-scale attack on Venezuela. The capital, Caracas, and other cities were hit by air and ground forces. According to Trump, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and removed from the country.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life from President Nicolás Maduro and the first lady, whose whereabouts remain unknown after the US attacks.