Conflicts

Iran threatens retaliation against US and Israel as protest death toll rises

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Jan 11, 2026

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Nationwide protests in Iran have entered their second week, prompting the government to impose a near-total internet blackout and issue warnings of military retaliation against the United States. The unrest, sparked by the collapse of the Iranian rial, has seen demonstrations spread to cities including Tehran and Mashhad. Cybersecurity monitors report that the government has activated a "kill switch," reducing internet connectivity to a fraction of normal levels in an apparent effort to restrict communication and obscure the crackdown.

According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 116 people have been killed and over 2,600 detained since the unrest began. Iranian officials have taken a hardline stance against the demonstrators; the country's attorney general warned that protesters would be considered "enemies of God," a charge that carries the death penalty. Conversely, activists have accused security forces of using lethal force against civilians.

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated sharply alongside the domestic instability. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stated that U.S. troops and Israel would become "legitimate targets" if the United States launches a strike. This follows reports that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed potential military intervention.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for the protesters, stating that the "USA stands ready to help." While he ruled out deploying ground troops, the President warned that the U.S. would respond forcefully if the Iranian regime utilized mass violence. Amid the volatility, several international airlines have suspended flights to the region.

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• Reports of significant casualties and detentions According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, the government's response to the protests has resulted in at least 116 deaths and over 2,600 detentions. Activists allege that Iranian security forces are utilizing lethal force against civilians during the demonstrations that have spread to major cities like Tehran and Mashhad.

• Conditional support and warnings from the U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for the demonstrators, stating that the United States "stands ready to help," while simultaneously warning of a forceful response if the regime employs mass violence. However, the President clarified the scope of potential U.S. involvement by ruling out the deployment of ground troops.

• Consideration of military intervention High-level discussions regarding potential military action have taken place between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These diplomatic talks concerning intervention have occurred alongside the sharp escalation of tensions and the domestic instability triggered by the collapse of the Iranian rial.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

International airlines have suspended flights to the region due to the unrest. You may face cancellations or service disruptions if you have travel plans involving the Middle East.

U.S. military personnel in the region face heightened security threats after Iranian officials declared American troops would be considered legitimate targets if Washington launches a strike.

You will likely be unable to contact friends, family, or business associates inside Iran due to a near-total internet blackout and the activation of a digital kill switch.

Possibility of U.S. military involvement has increased following discussions between U.S. and Israeli officials, though the President has currently ruled out deploying ground troops to the area.

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