Tehran: Iran has issued a strong warning that it will retaliate against any military action by the United States, as nationwide protests continue to grip the country and the reported death toll linked to the unrest crosses 500. The warning reflects growing pressure on Iran’s leadership amid its most serious internal challenge in several years.
The protests began in late December after a sharp rise in food and fuel prices, worsening unemployment, and mounting public frustration over the economy. What started as scattered demonstrations over living costs quickly spread to major cities and towns, evolving into broader protests against the political system and the country’s leadership. Chants and slogans heard at rallies have increasingly called for fundamental change rather than limited economic reforms.
Human rights groups say the response by security forces has been intense. The US based organisation HRANA estimates that more than 500 people have been killed so far, including protesters, bystanders, and members of the security forces. Thousands of others are believed to have been detained during mass arrests carried out across the country. Families of those detained say they are often not informed about where their relatives are being held.
Iranian authorities have not released official casualty figures. Instead, state media has reported the deaths of security personnel and described the protests as violent riots driven by hostile foreign powers. Officials have repeatedly accused the United States and Israel of backing and encouraging the unrest, a claim denied by protesters and opposition figures.
As part of the crackdown, Iran has imposed wide internet restrictions and periodic shutdowns. Access to social media platforms and messaging services has been severely disrupted, making it difficult for protesters to organise and for information to reach the outside world. Activists say the blackout has also limited the ability to document alleged abuses, increasing fears that the true scale of the violence may be higher than currently reported.
The growing unrest has been accompanied by sharp rhetoric from Iran’s leadership. Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that any US military strike would be met with a direct response, warning that American bases in the region and Israel would be considered legitimate targets. Iranian officials say the country will not tolerate what they describe as external interference during a time of internal crisis.
In Washington, President Donald J. Trump has strongly criticised Tehran’s handling of the protests. US officials say a range of options is under discussion, including tighter sanctions, diplomatic pressure, cyber measures, and other steps aimed at supporting protesters. While no decision on military action has been announced, the statements have added to tensions between the two countries.
The situation has also raised alarms across the Middle East. Israeli officials say the country has been placed on high alert, preparing for possible retaliation or spillover if the standoff between Iran and the United States escalates. Regional analysts warn that any direct confrontation could quickly widen into a broader conflict.
Human rights advocates have urged the international community to maintain focus on events inside Iran. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi has warned that the internet blackout and lack of independent access could conceal serious violations, calling for international pressure to protect civilians and detainees.
Despite repeated government assurances that order is being restored, protests have continued in several areas, with security forces maintaining a heavy presence on the streets. The rising death toll, mass arrests, and escalating international tensions suggest Iran is facing a deep and complex crisis, with no clear indication of how quickly the unrest will subside or what lasting impact it may have on the country’s political future.