Iran is facing a growing crisis as protests enter their third week, the death toll climbs, and the country remains largely cut off from the internet. At the same time, reports suggest Washington and Tel Aviv have discussed the possibility of US intervention, while Tehran issues sharp warnings of retaliation.
Warnings of Retaliation Amid US and Israeli Discussions
Iranian officials have made it clear that any American strike would provoke a strong response. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said US forces and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” if the United States attacks. Iran does not recognise Israel and regards 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 about potential US military options in Iran. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has publicly expressed support for Iranian protesters, posting on Truth Social: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” Trump has also reportedly been presented with military strike plans, though no decision has been made. The State Department reinforced his position, warning: “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.”
Protests Grow as Death Toll Reaches 116
Protests have now continued for over two weeks, with demonstrators taking to the streets of Tehran and Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city, to challenge the theocratic government. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports at least 116 people have died, including 37 security personnel or officials. Activists caution the real number could be far higher, given the country’s ongoing internet blackout.
Network monitor Netblocks said the blackout has now passed 60 hours and warned that cutting access to communications presents “a direct threat to the safety and wellbeing of Iranians at a key moment for the country’s future.” Human rights organisations have compared the current shutdown to 2019, when a similar internet blackout preceded the killing of over 1,000 protesters. The Centre for Human Rights in Iran described the blackout as a prelude to a potential “massacre.”
Arrests Mount as Government Cracks Down
Authorities are stepping up their crackdown alongside the shutdown. At least 2,600 people have been detained, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency. Iran’s national police chief, Ahmad-Reza Radan, confirmed that key figures in the protests were arrested on Saturday night, promising that they will face punishment after legal proceedings, though he did not provide further details.
With nationwide unrest continuing, limited information leaving the country, and escalating warnings between Iran, the US, and Israel, the situation remains highly volatile — and could have serious implications beyond Iran’s borders.
