Iran Warns U.S. and Israel Amid Escalating Protests

Nationwide protests in Iran have entered their third week, with demonstrators in cities like Tehran and Mashhad challenging the Islamic Republic's theocracy amid growing violence. At least 116 people have been killed and 2,600 detained, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, amid internet blackouts and restricted communications. The unrest, originally sparked by economic grievances over the collapsing Iranian rial, has escalated into a broader anti-government movement.

In response, Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf issued strong warnings, saying the U.S. and Israel would be legitimate targets if the U.S. took military action, as hinted by President Donald Trump, who has expressed support for the protesters. The Iranian parliament showed strong nationalist fervor with chants of “Death to America!” and praises for Iran’s security forces suppressing the protests.

Despite increased security presence, scattered and short-lived demonstrations continue in major cities. Iranian state media attempted to downplay the unrest, while officials, including the reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, have taken a harder stance. Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called for more protests, invoking pre-revolutionary symbols. Amid fear of further crackdowns, external military tensions are escalating.