Iran has warned that any attempt by the United States to intervene in ongoing domestic protests would trigger attacks on American military bases in the region, escalating tensions between the two nations.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday that Tehran has instructed regional countries — including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Turkey — to prevent U.S. action against Iran.
“US bases in those countries will be attacked if Washington targets Iran,” the official said.
DIPLOMATIC TENSIONS RISE
Direct communications between Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff have been suspended amid growing tensions.
The warning follows remarks by US President Donald Trump, who stated in an interview with CBS News that the United States would respond “very strongly” if Iran executed protesters.
“If they hang them, you’re going to see some things,” Trump said, also encouraging Iranians to continue protesting, claiming “help is on the way.”
THE PROTESTS AND CRACKDOWN
The protests, triggered by dire economic conditions, have posed the biggest internal challenge to Iran in three years, coinciding with increased international pressure over its nuclear and missile programs.
Iran has accused Trump of inciting violence, encouraging destabilisation, and threatening its sovereignty, with UN Ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani writing to the UN Security Council:
“The United States and the Israeli regime bear direct and undeniable legal responsibility for the resulting loss of innocent civilian lives, particularly among the youth.”
CASUALTY FIGURES AND HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTS
The exact death toll remains disputed:
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HRANA, a U.S.-based rights group, verified 2,571 deaths, including:
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2,403 protesters
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147 government-affiliated individuals
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12 under 18
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9 non-protester civilians
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An Iranian official acknowledged for the first time that around 2,000 people had died during two weeks of nationwide unrest, blaming terrorists for the killings of both protesters and security personnel.
Trump, however, stated that the death toll remains unclear, saying:
“One death is too much — but I hear much lower numbers, and then I hear much higher numbers.”
A CLIMATE OF ESCALATING TENSIONS
The standoff reflects a broader geopolitical struggle, as Iran faces domestic unrest, international scrutiny over its nuclear program, and now direct warnings against U.S. military involvement.
The situation continues to develop as both sides monitor events closely, raising fears of potential military escalation in the Middle East.
