Iran issues warning to U.S. as protest crackdown intensifies
Sources in Tehran described the situation as dire, with live rounds fired into crowds and bodies being removed in trucks. A news agency reported footage showing around 180 body bags at a morgue near the capital. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency said it has confirmed 495 protesters and 48 security personnel killed nationwide, with more than 10,600 people detained over two weeks of unrest.
The protests, initially sparked by soaring inflation, have evolved into calls for an end to clerical rule under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran’s attorney general declared that demonstrators would be treated as “enemies of God,” an offense punishable by death, while Khamenei dismissed protesters as “vandals” acting to “please” U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump said Sunday that Iranian leaders had contacted him seeking negotiations but warned that Washington “may have to act before a meeting.” He noted that “very strong options” are under consideration. U.S. officials told a news outlets and the Wall Street Journal that possibilities include military strikes, cyber operations against Iran’s military, boosting anti-government messaging online, and imposing additional sanctions.
Iran’s parliament speaker warned that if attacked, Israel and U.S. military and shipping centers in the region would be considered legitimate targets.
On Sunday, Iran declared three days of mourning for what it called “martyrs killed in the national battle against the U.S. and Israel.”
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