Iran Warns Against Potential US Involvement as Protest Death Toll Tops 500
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Videos Show Protesters Chanting 'Death to the Dictator' in Iran
00:58 • Source: CNN (https://www.cnn.com/)
At Least 544 People Killed as Iran Enters Third Week of Nationwide Anti-Government Protests
- A US-based rights group reports that at least 544 people have been killed, including eight children, during the protests.
- Iran has been offline for more than 72 hours after authorities shut down internet access and telephone lines.
US President Donald Trump's Response:
- Trump said Iran 'called to negotiate' and that his administration is weighing potential military options.
- Iran's parliamentary speaker warned that American military and commercial bases will be targeted for retaliation if the US intervenes militarily.
Demonstrations Beyond Iran's Borders:
- In Los Angeles, a person was detained after driving a truck through a crowd of protesters.
- In Tehran, the British ambassador was summoned after a protester in London tore down the Iranian embassy's flag.
Human Rights Activist New Agency (HRANA) Update:
- At least 544 people have been killed, and more than 10,681 individuals have been arrested during the protests.
- CNN is unable to independently verify HRANA's casualty numbers due to the internet blackout.
Protests Enter Third Week:
- The regime's grip on power appears tenuous as the opposition movement demands substantive change.
- Protests initially centered on economic grievances but have evolved into a broader movement against the regime.
Historical Context:
- Iran has seen waves of protests with little societal or political change.
- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has navigated political and security challenges since coming to power in 1989.
- Khamenei's repressive policies have been met with waning public support.
International Response:
- Finnish President Alexander Stubb urges Iranian authorities to refrain from violence and respect freedom of expression.
- Ireland's Foreign Minister Helen McEntee expresses deep concern over the repression of peaceful protesters.
- Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar supports the Iranian people's struggle for freedom.
- Pope Leo prays for dialogue and peace in Iran.
US Military Options:
- Trump is considering various intervention options, including military strikes and new sanctions against regime figures.
- US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports 116 people killed since protests began.
