Iran Protests Escalate as Tehran Warns U.S. and Israel Against Military Intervention

Nationwide protests challenging Iran’s political system entered their second week on Sunday, with activist groups reporting that at least 116 people have been killed in violence linked to the demonstrations. The unrest has intensified geopolitical tensions, raising fears of wider regional escalation.

Amid the ongoing protests, Iran’s parliamentary leadership warned that both the United States and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” if Washington were to launch military action against Iran. The warning followed renewed threats of intervention by former U.S. President Donald Trump, prompting heightened security preparedness in the region.

The statement marked the first time Iranian leadership explicitly included Israel in its list of potential targets. Lawmakers were seen chanting anti-American slogans during a tense parliamentary session, underscoring the increasingly confrontational tone from Tehran as pressure mounts on the government.

Meanwhile, concerns are growing over Iran’s nationwide internet shutdown, which has now lasted more than 60 hours. Rights advocates warn that the blackout could enable a harsher security crackdown, citing previous protest movements where casualties rose sharply once digital communication was restricted.

Iran’s exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi issued an appeal urging demonstrators not to abandon the streets, expressing solidarity with protesters and claiming growing international support for their cause. He described the demonstrations as a national movement drawing global attention.

The unrest has placed Israel on high alert amid fears that any U.S. intervention could trigger retaliatory action from Iran, potentially expanding the conflict across the Middle East. Analysts say the convergence of domestic unrest in Iran and external military threats has created one of the most volatile moments for regional stability in recent years.

As protests continue and diplomatic rhetoric hardens, international observers remain focused on whether the crisis will escalate beyond Iran’s borders or prompt renewed efforts at de-escalation.