Iran is facing a mounting crisis as nationwide protests enter their third week, the death toll rises, and the country remains largely cut off from the internet. At the same time, reports suggest the US and Israel are discussing possible military action, prompting stark warnings from Tehran.
Tehran Issues Stern Warnings
Iranian officials have made it clear that any US strike would be met with retaliation. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that US military sites, shipping centres, and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” if the United States attacks. Iran does not recognise Israel and refers 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 about possible US intervention. President Donald Trump has also 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!!!” Reports indicate Trump was presented with military strike options on Saturday night, though no decision has been made. The State Department reinforced the president’s warnings, saying: “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.”
Protests and Blackout Deepen Humanitarian Concerns
Demonstrations continue across Tehran and Mashhad, challenging the country’s ruling theocracy. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that at least 116 people have died, including 37 members of security forces. Activists warn the real number could be much higher due to a nationwide internet blackout, now in its third day.
Network monitoring group Netblocks confirmed the blackout has passed 60 hours, warning that it threatens the safety and wellbeing of Iranians at a critical moment. Human rights groups say such shutdowns often precede violent crackdowns. The Centre for Human Rights in Iran recalled that in 2019, a similar internet blackout was followed by the killing of over 1,000 protesters, raising fears that history could repeat itself.
Arrests Mount Amid Crackdown
Authorities are intensifying their crackdown alongside the blackout. At least 2,600 people have been detained, according to activists. Iran’s national police chief, Ahmad-Reza Radan, confirmed that key protest figures were arrested on Saturday night, stating they would face punishment following legal procedures, without providing further details.
With the death toll rising, communications restricted, and US-Iran tensions escalating, the situation in Iran remains highly volatile, with both domestic unrest and international pressures continuing to mount.
