At a Glance
- President Trump is considering strikes or non-military action after Iran’s crackdown kills at least 538 people.
- Tehran warns that U.S. and Israeli bases will be “legitimate targets” if America attacks.
- Protesters in 185 cities face mass arrests and death-penalty charges as internet blackouts hide the scale of the violence.
- Why it matters: U.S. military action could ignite a wider regional conflict while Iranians demand an end to clerical rule.
President Trump is weighing military and non-military options against Iran after human-rights groups report more than 500 protesters have been killed during nationwide demonstrations that have entered a second week, according to three U.S. officials who spoke with Ethan R. Coleman.
The president has not made a final decision, the officials said, but has been presented with preliminary plans that range from possible airstrikes to measures that would not involve direct military force.
The crackdown has intensified since protests erupted two weeks ago over economic grievances, triggered by a collapsing currency and soaring inflation. Demonstrations have now spread to 185 cities and 574 locations, evolving into one of the largest challenges to Iran’s theocratic government in its 47-year history.
Death toll and arrests
- 538 people killed – U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, Sunday tally
- Several hundred more – Norway-based Iran Human Rights, citing unverified reports
- 10,675 people arrested – Human Rights Activists News Agency, spanning 185 cities
An internet blackout has blocked independent verification, but NetBlocks confirms outages continued into Sunday. Amnesty International says the blackout aims to “hide the true extent of grave human-rights violations.”
Iranian warnings
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf threatened retaliation on state television Sunday:
> “If the United States launches a military attack, both the occupied territory and U.S. military and maritime centers will be our legitimate targets.”
He added: “Within the framework of legitimate defense, we do not limit ourselves to reacting after an attack.”
Trump’s stance
Trump publicly warned Iran on Friday:
> “You better not start shooting, because we’ll start shooting, too.”
On Saturday he posted on Truth Social:
> “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
The State Department reinforced the message:
> “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.”
Security response inside Iran
- Enhanced crackdown – Gen. Ahmad-Reza Radan, national police chief, announced Sunday
- Arrests confirmed – Tasnim news agency reports Saturday detentions
- Death-penalty charge – Prosecutor-General Mohammad Movahedi Azad labeled protesters “enemies of God”
- No leniency – Chief justice vows nationwide tribunals, state media reports
Security forces are using location data to text citizens suspected of attending “illegal gatherings,” state media said Saturday, warning that masks will not prevent identification.
Regional military posture
The Israeli military stated Sunday it is “monitoring developments” and can “respond with power if need be.”
Verified protest footage
News Of Losangeles verified videos showing:
- Hundreds clapping and chanting at Kaj Square, Tehran
- Hundreds more with flashlights and music at Ponak Square
- Singing marchers at Heravi Square
It remains unclear whether the footage was filmed Friday or Saturday night. Revolutionary Guard-aligned outlets claimed Saturday was “calm” nationwide.
International solidarity
Demonstrations supporting Iranian protesters took place in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Michael Mohkam, 78, an Iranian expatriate in France, told Ethan R. Coleman:
> “I’ve been living here for 48 years. But my soul and body are in my home country.”
Reza Pahlavi, exiled son of Iran’s late shah and a protest figurehead, praised Trump’s support on X Sunday and pledged to join demonstrators “soon.”
Diplomatic blame game
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, on state TV Sunday, accused the U.S. and Israel of fueling unrest and urged citizens to shun “rioters and terrorists.”
No U.S. or Israeli officials are quoted in the original article responding to Pezeshkian’s allegation.
Key takeaways
- The death toll has surpassed 500 with 10,675 arrests documented.
- Trump’s threat of force has not materialized into a decision, but plans exist on both military and non-military tracks.
- Iran’s leadership has explicitly tied any U.S. strike to retaliation against American and Israeli assets.
- Internet blackouts and mass trials labeled “enemy of God” proceedings signal an escalated domestic crackdown.
- Solidarity rallies across Europe highlight the protest movement’s global resonance, yet inside Iran, verified footage shows persistent demonstrations despite security force claims of restored order.
