Tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel are escalating rapidly, as reports suggest Washington and Tel Aviv have discussed possible US military intervention in Iran. At the same time, Tehran is issuing sharp warnings of retaliation, nationwide protests are entering their third week, and a sweeping internet blackout has left the world struggling to see what is happening inside the country.
Iranian officials have made clear that any US attack would be met with direct retaliation. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that US forces and Israel would be treated as “legitimate targets” if America strikes Iran. Tehran does not recognise Israel and refers to it as occupied Palestinian territory.
According to German outlet Der Spiegel, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the possibility of American intervention in a phone call on Saturday, adding to growing fears of a wider regional conflict.
Trump Signals Support for Protesters — and Possible Strikes
US President Donald Trump has publicly voiced support for Iranian protesters, posting on his Truth Social platform: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” Earlier in the week, Trump warned he was willing to strike Iran if protesters were killed, a message reinforced by the State Department, which said: “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.”
US media outlets, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, report that Trump was presented with military strike options on Saturday night, although no final decision has yet been made. The combination of public threats, behind-the-scenes planning, and Iranian counter-warnings has pushed the crisis into dangerous territory.
Protests Spread as Iran Goes Dark Online
Inside Iran, demonstrations have now passed the two-week mark. Crowds have continued to gather in Tehran and Mashhad, challenging the country’s ruling theocracy despite an intensifying crackdown.
The Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that at least 116 people have died in connection with the protests, including 37 members of security forces or government officials. Activists caution that the real death toll may be significantly higher, as a near-total internet shutdown has entered its third day, severely limiting information leaving the country.
Network monitoring group Netblocks said the blackout has passed the 60-hour mark, calling it a serious threat to the safety of Iranian citizens. Human rights organisations warn that such shutdowns have historically preceded violent crackdowns. The Centre for Human Rights in Iran recalled that during protests in 2019, a similar internet blackout was followed by the killing of over 1,000 demonstrators.
Mass Arrests and Growing Fear of a Crackdown
Alongside rising fatalities, arrests are mounting. Activists report at least 2,600 people have been detained. Iran’s national police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan confirmed that key protest organisers were arrested on Saturday night and promised punishment following legal proceedings, though he did not reveal names or numbers.
With communication lines cut, protest deaths rising, and foreign powers openly discussing military options, Iran faces a moment of extraordinary danger — both for its people on the streets and for stability across the wider region.
