Meanwhile, Tehran has warned that any U.S. military strike on Iranian territory would be met with retaliation. Iran urged Washington not to make what it called a “miscalculation,” stating that a U.S. attack would trigger counterstrikes against Israel and American military bases across the Middle East.

Casualties continue to rise as clashes intensify between protesters and security forces inside Iran. According to reports cited by Reuters from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 538 people have been killed since the protests began, most of them demonstrators. Reuters noted that it could not independently verify the figures. Iranian authorities have not released any official death toll, and internet services across the country have remained shut down since last Thursday.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that what he described as “rioters” should not be allowed to destabilize society, while also acknowledging that peaceful protest is a legitimate right. He stated that the public should trust the government’s intention to deliver justice.

Iran is facing its largest wave of anti-government protests since 2022. What began as demonstrations over rising prices and economic hardship has quickly evolved into broader political unrest. The protests, which started on December 28, have now spread across much of the country, with demonstrators calling for an end to the current system of governance. Protests continue in cities nationwide.

In recent days, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened possible American involvement in response to the unrest. He has warned Iranian leaders against using force on protesters and said last Saturday that the United States is “ready to support” those demonstrating.