Tehran has threatened to retaliate against Israeli and United States military positions should the U.S. conduct strikes on Iran, underscoring escalating tensions as the Iranian government grapples with its most significant anti-government protests in a year.
President Donald Trump has recently reiterated his willingness to intervene, cautioning Iranian leaders against using force against demonstrators.
During a parliamentary session on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf cautioned the U.S. against “a miscalculation,” declaring, “Let us be clear: in the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories (Israel) as well as all U.S. bases and ships will be our legitimate target.” This assertion reflects Iran’s historical posture toward foreign interventions and highlights the stakes involved in the current situation.
As Iranian protests, initially sparked by soaring inflation and exacerbated by calls for an end to clerical rule, spread across the nation since December 28, the authorities have accused the U.S. and Israel of inciting unrest. The humanitarian toll has escalated, with a U.S.-based rights organization, HRANA, reporting a death toll of 116, including both protestors and security forces.
Despite claims of unrest, limited access to information due to an internet blackout hindered the flow of updates from inside Iran. Iranian state media aired funeral processions for security personnel killed in clashes, symbolizing the deepening crisis. Social media footage revealed large nighttime gatherings in Tehran’s neighborhoods, showcasing the persistence of demonstrators amid significant repression.
In the context of these developments, a senior U.S. intelligence official characterized the unfolding situation in Iran as an “endurance game,” suggesting that the Iranian opposition is striving to apply consistent pressure on government officials, while those in power attempt to quell dissent without providing apparent justification for U.S. intervention.
In related discourse, a phone conversation took place between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss potential U.S. intervention. As the situation continues to evolve, international observers remain alert to the implications of any military action, recalling the tense history between Israel and Iran.
As protests mount and the international community watches closely, the potential for conflict looms larger, with the specter of violence and escalation a tangible reality. The Pakistan embassy in Iran has also taken steps to assist its citizens amid the unrest, indicating the seriousness of the situation as it unfolds. –LORD
