Iran Warns US of Retaliation as Protest Death Toll Surpasses 200

Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, issued a stark warning on Sunday, stating that the U.S. military and Israel would become “legitimate targets” if the U.S. proceeds with military strikes against Iran in response to ongoing protests. This statement follows threats made by President Donald Trump regarding military action, as protests challenging the Iranian government have intensified, resulting in significant violence.

The protests, which have now entered their third week, have reportedly led to the deaths of at least 203 people, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency. Activists fear the actual toll could be much higher as communication lines remain disrupted, making it difficult to gather accurate information. Many are concerned that the ongoing information blackout may enable hard-liners within Iran’s security forces to act with increased brutality against demonstrators.

Trump has extended his support to the protesters, asserting on social media that “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before,” adding that the USA is “ready to help.” On Saturday, multiple reports indicated that Trump had been briefed on military options for striking Iran, although no final decision has been made.

Escalating Tensions and Government Responses

During a session broadcast live on Iranian state television, Qalibaf praised the police and the Revolutionary Guard for their response to the protests, particularly commending the Basij, a paramilitary force. He underscored a possible pre-emptive action against Israel and U.S. military bases, stating, “In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centers, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets.”

The Iranian parliament, echoing Qalibaf’s sentiments, erupted in chants of “Death to America,” reflecting the heightened anti-U.S. sentiment. Despite these threats, it remains uncertain how serious Iran is about engaging in military action, especially given the damage sustained to its air defenses during the recent conflict with Israel.

The U.S. military has reiterated its readiness to defend its forces and interests in the region, emphasizing its capabilities to respond to threats. The U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet is stationed in Bahrain, while the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar has previously been targeted by Iranian forces.

Protests Continue Amid Government Crackdown

Reports from within Iran indicate that protests have spread to various cities, including Tehran and Mashhad. Videos circulated online show demonstrators in northern Tehran, where security forces reportedly shut down streets, and protesters expressed their defiance by waving mobile phones and setting off fireworks. The situation in Mashhad also appears tense, with footage suggesting confrontations between demonstrators and security personnel.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency has highlighted the increasingly fluid nature of the protests, which have adapted to the heavy police presence, resulting in shorter gatherings that are difficult for authorities to suppress. Despite this, Iranian state media have reported on the calm in several other areas, focusing on the funerals of security personnel killed in the violence.

Government officials have intensified their rhetoric, with Ali Larijani, a top security figure, accusing some protesters of engaging in violence reminiscent of actions by the Islamic State group. In addition to reported fatalities among protesters, the Iranian government has confirmed deaths among its security forces, with recent reports indicating at least six fatalities in Kermanshah and additional casualties in other provinces.

Calls for further protests have emerged, including from exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who encouraged demonstrators to take to the streets again. While some protesters have rallied in support of the former monarch, it remains unclear whether this reflects a genuine endorsement of Pahlavi or a broader desire to return to the pre-1979 monarchy.

The unrest initially sparked on December 28, 2023, over the collapse of the Iranian rial, which now trades at over 1.4 million IRR to $1. As the economic situation has deteriorated, protests have evolved into direct challenges to Iran’s theocratic rule, reflecting deeper societal frustrations.

As the situation unfolds, the potential for further escalation remains a pressing concern, both domestically and internationally. The Iranian government has yet to release official casualty figures, complicating the understanding of the scale of the unrest. The ongoing conflict between the government’s responses and the protesters’ demands continues to shape the narrative in Iran, raising critical questions about the future of the country’s political landscape.