Iran has issued a stark warning to the United States, saying it will launch retaliation if Washington carries out any military strikes against the Islamic Republic, even as widespread anti-government protests spread and the death toll climbs. (CitiNewsroom.com)

The warning came on Sunday from Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who said that in the event of a U.S. attack, Tehran would consider Israel and all American military and shipping bases in the region as legitimate targets for retaliation. (Home)

The threat follows repeated statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has said the U.S. “stands ready to help” and has been briefed on options, including possible military strikes, in response to Iran’s deadly crackdown on demonstrators. (CitiNewsroom.com)

The protests — initially sparked by soaring inflation — have now engulfed more than 100 cities and towns across Iran, with demonstrators demanding an end to clerical rule under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Security forces have responded with force, and verified video footage shows bodies of injured and deceased protesters arriving at hospitals in Tehran, Rasht and other cities. (The Star)

Human rights monitors have reported hundreds of deaths, including demonstrators and security personnel, and the number of arrests has surged into the thousands amid ongoing unrest. (CitiNewsroom.com)

Iran’s attorney general has warned that anyone seen protesting could be treated as an “enemy of God,” an offence that can carry the death penalty, illustrating the severity of the regime’s response to the unrest. (The Star)

The situation remains highly volatile as international attention focuses on the potential for regional escalation if diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Washington deteriorate further.