Nationwide protests challenging Iran's leadership have entered a critical third week, with demonstrators once again taking to the streets of Tehran and Mashhad, the country's two largest cities. The unrest, which has grown increasingly violent, has reportedly led to the deaths of at least 116 people, according to rights groups monitoring the situation.
US Considers Military Strikes, Israel on High Alert
The international dimension of the crisis has intensified significantly. Israel has been placed on high alert as US President Donald Trump weighs options for potential military strikes against Iran, Reuters reported, citing three Israeli sources. The news agency further stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed the possibility of US intervention during a phone call on Saturday.
Earlier, Trump issued a stark warning to Iran via a post on Truth Social. "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!" he wrote. According to a New York Times report, Trump is seriously considering authorizing strikes, with options presented to him including targeting non-military sites in Tehran. Senior US officials indicated some options would directly target elements of Iran's security services involved in suppressing the protests.
Iran's Parliament Issues Stark Counter-Threat
In a fiery session, Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, issued a direct threat to the United States and Israel. As lawmakers chanted "Death to America," Qalibaf declared that regional US military bases and Israel would become "legitimate targets" if America attacks Iran.
"In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centers, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets," Qalibaf stated. He added, "We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat," hinting at the possibility of a preemptive strike.
Protests Fueled by Economic Crisis Turn Deadly
The protests, marking one of the largest waves of dissent since the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests, were triggered by a deepening economic crisis. The collapse of the Iranian rial and soaring inflation drove frustrated traders and students onto the streets starting December 28.
Authorities have responded with a severe crackdown and a near-total nationwide internet blackout, cutting off phone lines. Despite this, videos likely transmitted via Starlink satellite show scenes from protests in areas like northern Tehran's Punak neighborhood, where demonstrators waved lit mobile phones and banged metal objects.
The situation remains volatile, with the domestic protest movement now intersecting with heightened geopolitical tensions, raising fears of a broader regional confrontation.
