New Delhi: Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified sharply as nationwide anti government protests in Iran turn increasingly deadly, prompting strong warnings from US President Donald Trump and defiant responses from Tehran. The unfolding crisis has raised concerns about a broader regional confrontation at a time of heightened instability in the Middle East.
Iranian authorities have accused Washington of encouraging unrest and interfering in the country’s internal affairs. Officials claimed that US statements were aimed at undermining Iran’s sovereignty, national security and territorial integrity. These accusations come amid reports of a severe crackdown on protesters, with human rights groups estimating that thousands have been killed during the unrest. Iranian state media has also acknowledged heavy casualties, referring to large numbers of deaths linked to the protests.
President Trump has issued a series of unusually direct messages directed at Iran’s leadership and demonstrators. He announced that his administration had cancelled meetings with Iranian officials until the violence against protesters ends and suggested that assistance for demonstrators was forthcoming. Trump also urged protesters to continue their movement and take control of state institutions, comments that Tehran described as blatant interference.
Speaking publicly, Trump said the United States was assessing verified information on the scale of the killings and would determine its response accordingly. He warned Iranian leaders against further bloodshed and dismissed Tehran’s threats of retaliation, stating that Iran must exercise restraint.
Iranian officials responded with strong rhetoric. Senior figures accused the United States and Israel of responsibility for the violence and warned that any military action would trigger a forceful response, including strikes on US interests in the region and on Israel. These statements have further heightened fears of escalation.
The situation has also drawn international attention. Reports of contacts between US officials and Iranian opposition figures have added to Tehran’s suspicions. Meanwhile, regional and global actors are urging calm. Qatar has called for de escalation and peaceful dialogue, while several European countries have announced new sanctions targeting Iranian officials and key economic sectors.
Human rights organisations have warned that conditions inside Iran could worsen rapidly, citing fears of swift trials and possible executions of detainees. Diplomatic pressure is mounting as multiple European governments have summoned Iranian ambassadors to protest the violent suppression of demonstrations and restrictions on internet access.
As protests continue and rhetoric hardens on all sides, the crisis shows few signs of easing, raising the stakes for Iran, the United States and an already fragile region.
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