Iran is facing a rapidly escalating crisis as nationwide protests enter their third week, the death toll rises, and communications remain largely cut off. At the same time, reports indicate that the United States and Israel have discussed possible military intervention, while Tehran issues stern warnings of retaliation.
Tehran Warns of Retaliation as US Signals Support
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that any US military strike would make American forces and Israel “legitimate targets.” Tehran does not recognise Israel, referring to it as occupied Palestinian territory.
According to German magazine Der Spiegel, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday to discuss potential intervention. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has reiterated his support for Iranian protesters, posting on Truth Social: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
US media outlets report that Trump was presented with military options for a strike on Iran, though no final decision has been made. The State Department also issued a pointed warning: “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.”
Protests Continue as Death Toll Climbs
Demonstrations have spread across Tehran and Mashhad, with crowds continuing to challenge the country’s theocratic government. The Human Rights Activists News Agency reports at least 116 deaths linked to the protests, including 37 members of security forces or officials. Activists caution that the true number may be higher due to limited reporting caused by the nationwide internet blackout, which has now passed 60 hours.
Network monitoring group Netblocks described the blackout as a serious threat to the safety of Iranians, while the Centre for Human Rights in Iran warned it could signal an imminent crackdown similar to the one in 2019, when a communication shutdown preceded the deaths of over 1,000 protesters.
Crackdown Intensifies with Mass Arrests
Alongside the rising death toll, authorities have detained at least 2,600 people. Iran’s national police chief, Ahmad-Reza Radan, confirmed the arrest of key protest leaders on Saturday night, promising they will face legal proceedings but providing no details on the number or identities of those arrested.
With protests continuing, information limited, and foreign powers signaling possible involvement, Iran faces a highly volatile situation that could have far-reaching consequences both domestically and regionally.
