Iran is facing a mounting crisis as nationwide protests enter their third week, the death toll rises, and the government enforces a sweeping internet blackout. At the same time, reports indicate that Washington and Tel Aviv have discussed possible US intervention, while Tehran issues stark warnings of retaliation.
Tehran Warns of Retaliation Against US and Israel
Iranian officials have signaled that any American strike would be met with direct action. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said US military bases, shipping centres, and Israel would all be “legitimate targets” in the event of an attack. Iran does not recognise Israel, which it considers 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 the potential for intervention. President Donald Trump has also expressed public support for Iranian protesters, posting on Truth Social: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” Trump was reportedly presented with military strike options over the weekend, though no final decision has been made. The State Department reinforced his stance, warning: “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.”
Protests Intensify as Death Toll Rises
Demonstrations have now spanned more than two weeks, with crowds gathering in Tehran and Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city, to challenge the theocratic government. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that at least 116 people have been killed, including 37 members of security forces. Activists caution that the real number could be significantly higher, as the ongoing nationwide internet blackout restricts information flow.
Network monitoring group Netblocks confirmed the outage has passed 60 hours, calling it a “direct threat to the safety and wellbeing of Iranians at a key moment for the country’s future.” Human rights organisations warn that such shutdowns often precede violent crackdowns. The Centre for Human Rights in Iran highlighted that a similar internet shutdown during 2019 protests preceded the killing of over 1,000 demonstrators.
Crackdown Escalates with Mass Arrests
Alongside rising casualties, arrests are mounting. 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 Saturday night and stated they would face punishment after legal proceedings, though he did not provide further details.
With communication cut off, casualties climbing, and US-Iran tensions intensifying, Iran faces an uncertain and volatile moment — one that could have serious consequences both domestically and internationally.
