Will Trump strike Iran as protests turn deadly and Israel goes on high alert?
Tehran: Iran is witnessing its most intense unrest since 2022, with protests entering a third week across major cities including Tehran and Mashhad. Demonstrations have been fuelled by a worsening economic crisis, marked by the collapse of the Iranian rial, runaway inflation and rising unemployment.
Rights groups say at least 116 civilians have been killed so far, with hundreds injured during clashes with security forces.
Iran authorities have responded with force and imposed a near-total nationwide internet and phone blackout. Despite restrictions, videos shared via satellite links appear to show protesters blocking streets, waving mobile phone lights and setting off fireworks in defiance of security forces.
Israel raises alert as US weighs military action
Israel has gone on high alert amid reports that the United States is considering military strikes against Iran. Reuters reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed possible US intervention during a phone call, with the issue also reviewed during Israeli security consultations over the weekend. Officials have not publicly detailed what Israel’s heightened alert status entails.
Trump signals readiness to intervene
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran against continuing its violent crackdown on protesters and indicated that Washington is prepared to act. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the US “stands ready to help,” framing the unrest as a potential turning point for Iran.
According to US officials cited in American media reports, Trump has been presented with several military options. These reportedly include targeted strikes linked to Iran’s security services involved in suppressing protests, as well as possible strikes on selected non-military sites in Tehran.
Iran issues direct threat to US and Israel
Iran’s response has been sharp and public. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that US military bases, ships in the region and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” if Iran is attacked. Addressing lawmakers amid chants of “Death to America,” Qalibaf said Iran would not limit itself to retaliation after an attack and could act pre-emptively based on perceived threats.
He also issued a warning to protesters inside Iran, promising severe punishment for those arrested, underscoring the regime’s hardline stance as unrest spreads.
Risk of regional escalation grows
With protests continuing inside Iran, Israel on high alert and the US openly weighing strike options, analysts warn the situation risks escalating into a broader regional crisis. Any military action could draw in American forces across the Middle East and trigger retaliation against Israel, further destabilising an already volatile region.
As diplomatic channels remain strained and communication inside Iran is heavily restricted, the coming days are seen as critical in determining whether the crisis remains internal—or spills beyond Iran’s borders.