United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed shock at Iranian authorities’ use of excessive force against protesters. One Iranian human rights group says it has verified almost 500 deaths.

Several other people have been wounded and arrested.

Since last month, protests have gripped the country over economic hardship. Guterres has urged restraint amid reports that the United States is considering military strikes.

In a statement, the UN Chief said Iranians must be able to express their grievances peacefully and without fear and that rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, as enshrined in international law, must be fully respected and protected.

Rights groups say hundreds of demonstrators have been killed. The US administration is reportedly considering military options that received swift warnings from Iranian leadership against a miscalculation that would see US interests in the region targeted.

Guterres further urged steps that enabled access to information in the country, including restoring communications amid an internet blackout.

–SABC–