Iran Vows to Target US Troops, Israel if America Responds to Protests

The ongoing nationwide protests in Iran have drawn significant attention due to escalating violence and government crackdowns. Demonstrators have been taking to the streets in Tehran, the capital, and Mashhad, the country’s second-largest city, amidst a backdrop of increasing tension between Iran and the United States.

Protests and Government Response

The protests, which began on December 28, highlight discontent with Iran’s theocratic regime. Activists report that at least 116 people have lost their lives due to the violence surrounding the demonstrations, with approximately 2,600 individuals detained. The Human Rights Activists News Agency has indicated the challenges in assessing the situation due to internet blackouts across the nation.

Threats from Iranian Officials

In light of the unrest, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, issued strong warnings regarding potential military actions by the U.S. He stated that U.S. troops and Israel would become “legitimate targets” should America strike Iran. This remark followed President Trump’s threat of military intervention to protect demonstrators.

• Qalibaf described authorities’ stance towards protesters: “We will deal with them in the most severe way.”
• He emphasized that any attack on Iran would lead to preemptive actions against U.S. military installations and Israeli targets.

Geographic Context of the Protests

The unrest has not been confined to the capital. Cities like Kerman, located 800 kilometers southeast of Tehran, experienced demonstrations, underscoring the widespread discontent across the nation. Footage from Mashhad, which houses the Imam Reza shrine—a key religious site—illustrates protesters confronting security forces amidst burning debris.

International Reactions

As the situation intensifies, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, holds considerable influence over any potential military decision. Meanwhile, the U.S. military remains on high alert, prepared to defend its forces and interests in the region.

Domestic and international communications have been restricted, with Iranian authorities limiting access to the internet and foreign media. Only a few state-backed channels are broadcasting updates about the situation.

Future Prospects and Calls for Action

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has called for continued protests, urging demonstrators to embrace national symbols from the pre-revolutionary period. The protests have evolved from initial economic grievances related to the Iranian rial’s collapse to broader calls against the Islamic government.

This period of unrest in Iran remains delicate, as government officials hint at severe repercussions for those participating in protests, labeling such actions as “enemies of God.” The Biden administration’s approach continues to be closely monitored as international tensions rise.