Iran Unrest: Iran has intensified its crackdown on nationwide protests, with a rights group reporting that more than 500 people have been killed and over 10,600 detained as unrest enters its second week. The escalating violence comes as Tehran warned it could target US military bases if US President Donald Trump intervenes in support of demonstrators.

The protests, described as the largest challenge to Iran’s clerical establishment since 2022, have spread across multiple cities, prompting an aggressive response from security forces. Tensions have further escalated after Trump repeatedly warned that the United States could intervene if Iranian authorities continue to use force against protesters. In response, Iranian officials threatened retaliation, including possible attacks on US military bases in the region.

On Saturday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused what he described as “saboteurs” of demolishing buildings in Tehran and other cities, claiming their actions were aimed at pleasing Washington. He also criticised the United States by referring to its recent military actions in Latin America, accusing Washington of encircling nations and carrying out operations abroad.

Here Are The Top Updates

 - US-based rights group HRANA reports that around 10,600 people have been arrested in Iran, according to its latest figures.

 - At least 538 people have been killed in the unrest, including 490 protesters and 48 security personnel, marking a sharp rise from 65 deaths reported a day earlier.

 - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is closely monitoring the growing protests in Iran, praising the courage of Iranian citizens as demonstrations for freedom spread across the country.

 - Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of trying to destabilise Iran by inciting unrest, urging citizens to distance themselves from what he described as rioters and terrorists.

 - Pezeshkian said the US and Israel are trying to sow chaos in Iran by instigating riots, urging citizens to stay away from what he called rioters and terrorists.

 - Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that US military and commercial bases would be legitimate targets if Washington intervenes militarily.

 - US President Donald Trump said the US stands ready to help Iranians as protests grow, calling it a moment of “freedom” for Iran.

 - Israel has raised its alert level amid concerns that the United States could intervene in Iran, according to Israeli sources involved in security discussions.

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