World
Iran protest death toll reaches thousands, activists claim
The Islamic Republic has threatened to target US military bases and Israel as Washington reportedly weighs up fresh strikes on regime strongholds
January 12, 2026 10:47
The Islamic Republic has threatened to target US military bases and Israel as Washington reportedly weighs up fresh strikes on regime strongholds
January 12, 2026 10:47Activists in Iran and Western intelligence sources cited in the media have estimated that thousands of people may have been killed as protestors continue to march against the Islamic regime.
Massive protests are now entering their third week after a currency collapse and soaring inflation riled up anti-government sentiment, which now appears to have snowballed into a potential revolution.
Security forces have cracked down hard, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, without evidence, blaming the unrest on "rioters" and foreign "saboteurs", as well as accusing the US and Israel of importing “terrorists”.
The country is currently in the midst of an internet blackout, though citizens have reportedly been able to post videos to social media using Starlink, the international WiFi service run by Elon Musk.
There have also been widespread reports of senior Iranian officials making preparations to flee the country with their families.
In Washington, President Trump has pledged that the US is "ready to help" fend off regime brutality.
Per the Wall Street Journal, Trump will be briefed by senior military officials on Tuesday, who are expected to lay out options including direct strikes, cyber attacks and a tightening of already crushing sanctions.
Both the Journal and the New York Times reported that the president was presented with the option of a strike on Friday, but has not yet made a final decision.
Trump said on Sunday that the US is “looking at very strong options”, but expressed confidence that Tehran “wants to negotiate”.
The US last struck Iran during the Islamic Republic's 12-day war with Israel, using "bunker-busting" munitions on its underground nuclear sites.
Jerusalem, meanwhile, has been vocal in its support for the protests, calling for the overthrow of the Ayatollah.
In response, Tehran has threatened to hit back against both nations if attacked.
Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran's parliament, said: "In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory [Israel] and all American military centres, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets."
And Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told a conference of foreign ambassadors: “The Islamic Republic of Iran is not seeking war but is fully prepared for war.
"We are also ready for negotiations but these negotiations should be fair, with equal rights and based on mutual respect.”
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