Fears of a wider conflict are growing as reports emerge of Washington and Tel Aviv discussing possible US military action against Iran. At the same time, Tehran is issuing stark warnings of retaliation, nationwide protests continue, and a sweeping internet blackout has now lasted more than 60 hours.
Iranian officials have warned that any American strike would trigger direct retaliation against both US and Israeli targets. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said US military bases, shipping centres, and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” if the United States launches an attack. Iran does not recognise Israel and refers to it as occupied Palestinian territory.
According to German magazine Der Spiegel, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed potential American intervention in a phone call on Saturday. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has publicly reiterated support for Iranian protesters, writing on Truth Social: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
The State Department reinforced Trump’s stance with a blunt warning: “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.” US media reports also claim Trump was presented with military strike options against Iran on Saturday night, though no final decision has been made.
Iran’s Warning and Washington’s Signals
Tehran’s threats come amid rising speculation that the US could step in directly if the crisis escalates further. Iranian leaders have made clear that any foreign intervention would not go unanswered, raising the stakes in an already volatile standoff.
At the same time, Trump has framed his position as support for peaceful demonstrators inside Iran, blending messages of solidarity with implicit military pressure. This dual approach — public backing of protesters alongside reports of strike planning — has intensified concerns that diplomatic off-ramps are narrowing.
Protests Enter Third Week as Internet Blackout Deepens
Inside Iran, protests have now passed the two-week mark. Demonstrations continued Sunday in Tehran and in Mashhad, the country’s second-largest city, with crowds challenging Iran’s ruling theocracy.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that at least 116 people have been killed in connection with the unrest, including 37 members of security forces or officials. Activists warn the true number may be far higher, as a near-total internet shutdown has severely restricted information coming out of the country.
Network monitor Netblocks confirmed the blackout has passed the 60-hour mark, calling it a direct threat to public safety. Human rights organisations fear the communications blackout is a prelude to intensified repression. The Centre for Human Rights in Iran warned that similar shutdowns in 2019 were followed by mass killings of protesters.
Arrests Mount as Crackdown Intensifies
Alongside the blackout, arrests are increasing. The Human Rights Activists News Agency says at least 2,600 people have been detained. Iran’s national police chief, Ahmad-Reza Radan, confirmed that “key elements” behind the protests were arrested Saturday night, promising punishment after legal proceedings, though he provided no details.
As the death toll climbs, communications remain cut, and foreign powers signal possible involvement, Iran finds itself at the centre of a rapidly escalating crisis — one that now threatens to spill beyond its borders.
