Nationwide protests challenging Iran's ruling system entered their third week on Sunday, as demonstrators again took to the streets in Tehran and the second-largest city of Mashhad, with activists reporting at least 116 deaths linked to the unrest. With internet access largely cut and phone lines restricted, assessing the scale of the demonstrations has become increasingly difficult. However, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 2,600 people have been detained since protests erupted late last month. The demonstrations come amid mounting political tensions, with Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warning that U.S. and Israeli forces would be considered "legitimate targets" if Washington carries out threats of military action against Iran. During a televised parliamentary session, lawmakers chanted "Death to America" as Qalibaf praised police and Revolutionary Guard forces for confronting protesters. "In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centers, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets," Qalibaf said, adding that Iran would not wait to respond after an attack. U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly expressed support for the protesters, writing on social media that the United States stood ready to help. U.S. media outlets reported that Trump has been briefed on military options but has not made a final decision. Iran's leadership has warned that foreign intervention would escalate the situation. Any decision on war or peace ultimately rests with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, now 86, amid concerns over Iran's weakened air defenses following last year's conflict with Israel. Videos circulating online, some believed to be transmitted via satellite links, appeared to show protesters gathering in parts of northern Tehran, waving mobile phone lights, blocking streets, and confronting security forces. Similar scenes were reported in Mashhad, where clashes near the Imam Reza shrine carried particular symbolic weight for the Islamic Republic. Iranian officials reported unrest in Kerman and Kermanshah as well, with state television airing funerals for slain security personnel and announcing the deaths of six additional members of the security forces. State media sought to counter the protest narrative by broadcasting live reports from calm streets in select cities and highlighting pro-government rallies in Qom and Qazvin. The protests began on Dec. 28 after the Iranian rial collapsed to more than 1.4 million to the U.S. dollar, reflecting deep economic strain caused by sanctions and long-running disputes over Iran's nuclear program. What started as economic grievances has since evolved into open calls challenging Iran's governing system. — Agencies
