Iran is facing one of its most intense periods of unrest in recent years. Nationwide protests have now entered their third week, a sweeping internet blackout has left the country largely cut off from the world, and Washington and Tel Aviv are reportedly discussing potential US military intervention — all amid growing threats of retaliation from Tehran.
Tehran Issues Stark Warnings Amid US Signals
Iranian officials have made it clear that any US strike would have severe consequences. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned Sunday that US military installations and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” in the event of an attack. Iran does not recognize Israel and refers to it as occupied Palestinian territory.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly spoke on Saturday about possible intervention, according to German magazine Der Spiegel. President Donald Trump has reiterated his support for the protesters, posting on Truth Social: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” US media reports say Trump was presented with military strike options over the weekend, although no final decision has been made. The State Department added a blunt warning to Tehran: “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.”
Protests Escalate as Internet Blackout Continues
Inside Iran, protests continue to sweep the nation, with crowds taking to the streets of Tehran and Mashhad to challenge the government. The death toll in connection with the unrest has reached at least 116, including 37 members of security forces, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Activists caution that the true number may be higher, as the government-imposed internet blackout has now lasted over 60 hours, severely limiting communications.
Network monitoring group Netblocks warned that the blackout “presents a direct threat to the safety and wellbeing of Iranians at a key moment for the country’s future.” Human rights organizations fear the shutdown signals a crackdown on protesters. The Centre for Human Rights in Iran noted that during 2019 protests, a similar internet shutdown preceded the killing of over 1,000 demonstrators.
Mass Arrests Heighten Fear of Crackdown
Authorities are also detaining large numbers of demonstrators. Reports indicate that at least 2,600 people have been arrested. Iran’s national police chief, Ahmad-Reza Radan, confirmed that key protest leaders were taken into custody on Saturday night and said they would be punished following legal procedures, though he provided no further details.
As the protests continue, communication remains restricted, and international tensions rise, Iran faces a moment of acute danger both at home and abroad, with the potential for the unrest to escalate further in the coming days.
