Fears of a wider conflict are rising as reports suggest the United States and Israel have discussed possible military intervention in Iran. At the same time, Iranian authorities are facing growing unrest at home, with a mounting death toll and a nationwide internet blackout now stretching beyond 60 hours.
Iran’s leadership has issued stark warnings, protestors continue to fill the streets, and Washington’s rhetoric is sharpening — all adding to an increasingly volatile situation.
Iran Warns US and Israel: “You Will Be Legitimate Targets”
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf delivered a blunt message on Sunday, warning that any US military strike would trigger direct retaliation.
“If the United States carries out a military attack, both the occupied territory (Israel) and centres of US military and shipping will be legitimate targets,” he said during a parliamentary session. Iran does not recognise Israel as a state and refers to it as occupied Palestinian territory.
Meanwhile, German outlet Der Spiegel reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone on Saturday about the possibility of American intervention in Iran.
US President Donald Trump has also raised the temperature. Posting on Truth Social, he voiced support for Iranian demonstrators, writing: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
Earlier in the week, Trump warned that military action was on the table if protesters were killed. The State Department reinforced the message, saying: “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.”
According to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, Trump was presented with military strike options on Saturday night, though no final decision had been made.
Protests Spread as Death Toll Climbs
Iran has now entered a second week of nationwide protests, with large demonstrations reported in Tehran and in Mashhad, the country’s second-largest city. Protesters continue to challenge the ruling theocracy despite an intensifying crackdown.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that at least 116 people have died in connection with the unrest, including 37 security personnel or government officials. Activists caution that the real figure may be much higher, as the government’s information blackout makes independent verification difficult.
At least 2,600 people have reportedly been detained. Iran’s national police chief, Ahmad-Reza Radan, confirmed that authorities have arrested key figures involved in organising protests.
“Significant arrests were made of the main elements in the riots, who will be punished after legal procedures,” he said on state television, without providing details.
Internet Blackout Sparks Fears of a Hidden Crackdown
Adding to international concern, Iran’s nationwide internet shutdown has now passed the 60-hour mark. Monitoring group Netblocks warned that the blackout poses “a direct threat to the safety and wellbeing of Iranians at a key moment for the country’s future.”
Human rights organisations fear the blackout is being used to conceal a severe crackdown. The Centre for Human Rights in Iran recalled similar tactics during the 2019 protests, when authorities cut internet access before killing more than 1,000 demonstrators.
“The complete internet and communications shutdown in Iran is extremely alarming,” the group said. “The regime typically does this as a preface to mass violence against protesters.”
As diplomatic warnings, military discussions, and domestic unrest collide, Iran finds itself at the centre of a rapidly escalating crisis — one that could soon stretch far beyond its borders.
