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Iran protests Continue Amid Crackdown and Threats
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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Nationwide protests challenging Iran’s theocracy continued into Sunday, marking over two weeks of demonstrations that have resulted in at least 116 deaths, according to activists.
Protests in Iran have entered their third week amid a government crackdown and internet restrictions.
- At least 116 people have been killed in protests across Iran, activists report.
- Iran has severed internet and phone access, hindering details gathering.
- Iran’s parliament speaker warned the U.S. and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if attacked.
- The protests began over economic hardship but have evolved into direct challenges to the theocracy.
Protest Context
With internet access severely restricted and phone lines cut off, assessing the scale of the demonstrations from outside Iran has become increasingly difficult. However, reports indicate continued unrest, and the death toll is rising. Approximately 2,600 others have been detained, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
The demonstrations began Dec. 28 in response to the collapse of the Iranian rial, which now trades at over 1.4 million to $1, as the country’s economy is squeezed by international sanctions related to its nuclear program. The protests have since escalated into broader challenges to Iran’s theocracy, reflecting discontent with the ruling clerics and, for some, avi himself or a desire to return to the pre-1979 Islamic Revolution era.
Threats of Retaliation
Meanwhile,Iran’s parliament speaker issued a stark warning,stating that the U.S. military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” should the Islamic Republic be struck, as threatened by President Donald Trump. The warning came as lawmakers in the Iranian parliament shouted “Death to America!” during a live broadcast on state television,according to the Associated Press.
Those following the situation from abroad fear the information blackout will embolden hard-liners within Iran’s security services to launch a more severe crackdown. Despite these concerns, Trump has warned he is willing to strike Iran to protect peaceful demonstrators.
Trump voiced his support for the protesters on social media, stating, “iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” The New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported Saturday night, citing anonymous U.S. officials, that Trump had been presented with military options for a strike on iran, but had not yet made a final decision.
The State Department separately warned, “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.”
During the parliamentary session,
