Iran has issued threats of immediate retaliation against the US if President Donald Trump intervenes in the ongoing protests. The unrest has resulted in over 500 fatalities and 10,000 arrests, sparking chaos in Tehran and various cities nationwide.
Amid Trump’s contemplation of aiding the protesters, Iranian officials warned that the US could be a legitimate target. Dissident groups in the UK disclosed harrowing accounts of police violence against demonstrators and highlighted instances of bravery among elderly citizens confronting armed authorities.
Despite facing intense crackdowns, protesters utilized clandestine Starlink terminals to share videos and firsthand testimonies globally via satellite connections. Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, cautioned that both the US and Israel would be considered legitimate targets in the event of an American strike on Iran.
Blaming the US and Israel for the unrest, President Masoud Pezeshkian accused them of orchestrating violence within Iran. Law enforcement authorities in Iran escalated their crackdown on protesters, making arrests and attributing a significant portion of casualties to alleged instigators.
Trump expressed willingness to assist the Iranian people in their pursuit of freedom, a sentiment echoed by opposition groups who called for international support in toppling the current regime. Verified videos depicted intense confrontations between protesters and security forces in Tehran, with reports of numerous casualties and arrests.
Human Rights Activists News Agency in the US reported a grim toll of 500 deaths and 10,000 detentions, primarily due to live ammunition usage at close range. Exiled figure Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s former Shah, rallied support for the protesters, praising their courage and urging continued demonstrations while prioritizing safety.
As tensions escalate, the situation in Iran remains volatile, with calls for international intervention and support for the pro-democracy movement growing louder.
