United States and Israel Weigh Military Options Amid Escalating Protests and Riots in Iran
The unrest, sparked by economic woes such as currency devaluation, has spread nationwide with demands for political change.
TEHRAN — As protests and riots in Iran enter their third week with at least 116 reported deaths including 37 security personnel, U.S. President Donald Trump has been briefed on potential military strike options following threats to respond if authorities harm peaceful demonstrators, while Iran warns that any American attack would make United States forces and Israel legitimate targets for retaliation.
Iran's Nationwide Protests, Riots Escalate with 65 Confirmed Deaths Amid Internet Blackout and US Intervention Warnings
MIDDLE EAST — Nationwide protests, escalating to riots in Iran sparked by economic collapse including currency devaluation and inflation exceeding 40 percent have resulted in 65 confirmed deaths and hundreds of injuries since December 28, as Iran’s security forces deployed lethal measures across more than 180 cities.
The unrest, sparked by economic woes such as currency devaluation, has spread nationwide with demands for political change.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said in a statement, "The US is miscalculating its position on Iran today."
Iranian authorities have imposed a near-total internet blackout lasting over 60 hours, complicating external monitoring, though some access persists via Starlink satellites amid reports of government jamming attempts.
Israel remains on high alert for possible United States intervention, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussing the situation alongside other regional matters. Iranian officials accuse the United States and Israel of fueling the violence.
