Caryoonist Romina Zabihian: Since the #IranMassacre and nationwide crackdown of January 8–9, 2026, more than 40,000 people have been killed, and over 330,000 have been arrested, many now imprisoned, tortured, or facing execution.

Yet instead of taking serious action, UN Secretary-General António Guterres @antonioguterres congratulated Iran’s authorities on the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to address the U.N. Human Rights Council alongside him on Feb. 23. At the same time, the Islamic Republic has been elected Vice-Chair of the U.N. Commission for Social Development — a body meant to promote democracy, equality, tolerance, and non-violence.

For millions of Iranians, this feels like a betrayal of the very human rights principles the U.N. claims to defend.

P.S. I couldn’t bring myself to use the UN’s blue — a color meant to symbolize peace. Red felt more honest, as the @unitednations continues not only to ignore the bloodshed, but in some cases reward those responsible.