Tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel are escalating rapidly as reports surface of high-level discussions about potential US intervention in Iran. At the same time, Tehran is issuing direct warnings of retaliation, protests continue across the country, and a sweeping internet blackout has now stretched beyond 60 hours.
Iranian officials have declared that any American military strike would provoke immediate response. Speaking before parliament, Iranian Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that US military bases, shipping centres, and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” if the United States attacks Iran. Iran does not recognise Israel and refers to it as occupied Palestinian territory.
According to German magazine Der Spiegel, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the possibility of US intervention in a phone call on Saturday. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has publicly reaffirmed support for Iranian protesters, writing on Truth Social: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
US media outlets report that Trump was presented with military strike options against Iran on Saturday night, though officials say no final decision has yet been made. The State Department added to the pressure with a stark warning: “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.”
Tehran Threatens Retaliation as Diplomatic Tensions Spike
Iran’s leadership has responded forcefully to signals coming from Washington. Qalibaf’s warning reflects a broader message from Tehran: foreign intervention will be met with direct retaliation. The statement raises fears that any US strike could trigger a wider regional conflict involving Israel and American military assets.
Trump has framed his stance as backing for peaceful demonstrators while simultaneously signalling readiness for military action if protesters are harmed. This combination of support for unrest inside Iran and preparations for possible strikes has sharply raised international concern over where the crisis may lead next.
Protests Continue Under a 60-Hour Internet Blackout
Inside Iran, protests have now entered their third week. Demonstrations continued in Tehran and Mashhad, with crowds openly challenging Iran’s ruling theocracy. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that at least 116 people have died in connection with the unrest, including 37 members of security forces or officials.
Activists caution that the real death toll may be significantly higher. Iran’s near-total internet shutdown, now in its third day, has severely limited the flow of information out of the country. Netblocks, a global internet monitoring group, described the blackout as a direct threat to the safety of Iranians, confirming it has passed the 60-hour mark.
Human rights organisations fear the blackout signals a looming escalation. The Centre for Human Rights in Iran warned that similar shutdowns in 2019 were followed by mass killings of protesters, calling the current communications blackout “extremely alarming.”
Mass Arrests Reported as Crackdown Intensifies
Alongside the blackout, arrests are mounting. Human rights monitors report that at least 2,600 people have been detained. Iran’s national police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan confirmed that key protest organisers were arrested Saturday night, promising punishment after legal proceedings, though he provided no details on numbers or identities.
With the death toll rising, communications cut, and foreign powers openly discussing intervention, Iran is facing one of its most volatile moments in years — a crisis now drawing the world’s attention and threatening to spill beyond its borders.
