• Iranian parliament speaker declares US bases and Israel “legitimate targets” if attacked
• At least 116 people killed during two weeks of nationwide anti-government protests
• Internet and phone blackout enters fourth day as Trump threatens to strike “very hard”

TEHRAN, IR (TDR) — Iran escalated threats against the United States and Israel on Saturday, warning that American military installations and Israeli territory would become targets if Washington launches strikes in response to the violent suppression of nationwide protests. The ultimatum from Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf came as demonstrators defied a government crackdown despite a total communications blackout.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran that the United States will hit Iran “very hard” if authorities continue killing protesters. American officials told news outlets Saturday that Trump had reviewed military strike options but had not made a final decision.

Iranian Leadership Issues Direct Warning

Qalibaf delivered his threat during a televised parliamentary session as lawmakers rushed the dais shouting “Death to America.” The hard-liner, who has previously run for the presidency, specifically threatened a preemptive strike against US military bases throughout the region and Israel.

“In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centers, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets.”

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The State Department responded with its own warning to Tehran, stating that officials should not underestimate presidential resolve. A department spokesperson said Trump means what he says when he issues threats.

Death Toll Climbs Amid Communications Shutdown

The Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that at least 116 people have died during the protests, including 38 security personnel and seven individuals under age 18. The Washington-based organization said more than 2,600 demonstrators have been arrested since unrest began December 28.

However, the actual death toll may be significantly higher. Israeli and American officials told media outlets they believe casualties number several times the official count. A Tehran doctor informed reporters that at least 217 deaths had been recorded across six hospitals in the capital alone.

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Hospital staff in Tehran described overwhelming conditions, with one worker telling journalists that facilities received so many wounded patients that medical personnel lacked time to perform CPR. Another witness reported seeing “bodies piled up on each other” at a medical center as morgues reached capacity.

The demonstrations initially erupted over the collapse of Iran’s currency, which now trades at more than 1.4 million rial to one dollar. Economic hardship driven by international sanctions over Tehran’s nuclear program triggered the protests, which quickly evolved into direct challenges to the theocratic government.

Regime Escalates Threats Against Demonstrators

Iran’s attorney general warned Saturday that anyone participating in protests will be considered an “enemy of God,” a death-penalty charge under Islamic law. The announcement carried by state television said even those who “helped rioters” would face capital punishment.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Trump of having hands “stained with the blood of Iranians” during remarks to supporters Friday. The 86-year-old cleric claimed demonstrators were “ruining their own streets” to please the American president.

Iranian authorities cut off internet and international phone service Thursday as protests intensified, creating what monitoring organizations describe as one of the most severe digital blackouts ever recorded in the country. NetBlocks reported connectivity dropped below 2 percent of normal levels as the government enacted what analysts call a “kill switch” to prevent documentation of the crackdown.

Exiled Crown Prince Calls For Action

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, urged demonstrators to seize and hold city centers rather than simply marching. The opposition figure, who lives in the United States, called for coordinated nationwide action at specific times and encouraged workers in the oil, gas and transportation sectors to launch strikes aimed at cutting government revenues.

Videos circulating on social media through Starlink satellite connections showed crowds gathering in Tehran’s Punak neighborhood despite the communications blackout, setting off fireworks and waving mobile phones. The satellite internet service, which bypasses government-controlled networks, has allowed some information to reach the outside world.

Many protesters have been heard chanting slogans calling for Pahlavi’s return to Iran and restoration of the monarchy, which was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution when he was 16 years old.

Trump Administration Reviews Strike Options

The New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported Saturday that Trump had been presented with military options for striking Iran but had not authorized action. Officials speaking anonymously said one option under consideration involves large-scale airstrikes against multiple military targets inside the country.

Trump posted on social media that Iran is “looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before” and declared that “the USA stands ready to help,” though he provided no details on what form American assistance might take.

Israeli officials told media outlets that Israel is on high alert for the possibility of American intervention in Iran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the situation during a Saturday phone call, according to an Israeli source present for the conversation.

Qalibaf’s parliamentary speech praised Revolutionary Guard forces and the paramilitary Basij for standing firm during the protests, declaring that arrested demonstrators will face the “most severe” punishment.

Will Trump’s threats deter Iran’s violent crackdown or push the region closer to military confrontation?

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