Nationwide protests challenging Iran's theocracy have surpassed two weeks, with activists reporting at least 116 deaths and 2,600 detentions amidst an internet blackout. Iran's parliament speaker warned the U.S. and Israel would be 'legitimate targets' if America strikes, while President Trump has offered support to protesters and threatened military intervention.
Nationwide protests challenging Iran's theocracy have continued for over two weeks, with activists reporting at least 116 deaths and 2,600 detentions amid an internet and phone line blackout making remote monitoring difficult. As violence escalates, Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, issued a stark warning that the U.S. military and Israel would become 'legitimate targets' if America, as threatened by President Donald Trump, strikes the Islamic Republic. Qalibaf, during a parliament session where lawmakers shouted 'Death to America!', applauded security forces and vowed severe punishment for arrested protesters, even threatening preemptive strikes. Meanwhile, President Trump expressed support for the Iranian protesters, stating the U.S. 'stands ready to help,' and U.S. officials reportedly presented him with military options for a strike. The State Department reinforced Trump's resolve, warning Iran not to 'play games.' Protests, characterized by scattered, short-lived gatherings, have been reported in Tehran, Mashhad, and Kerman, with demonstrators using lit phones, banging metal, and confronting security forces. Iranian state media, in contrast, showed calm areas and pro-government rallies, while a top security official accused some demonstrators of ISIS-like violence. Even reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian hardened his tone, calling some protesters 'rioters.' Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has urged further demonstrations, calling for protesters to use national symbols. The unrest began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial and economic sanctions, quickly escalating into direct challenges against the country's theocratic rule.
