Iran Warns ‘Ready for War’ as Trump Threatens Military Action Amid Deadly Protests
Iran has issued a stark warning that it is “ready for war” after US President Donald Trump threatened to “hit them at levels they’ve never been hit before”, as anti-government protests enter their third week.
The unrest has escalated violently, with the Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) reporting that nearly 500 protesters and 48 security personnel have been killed in the Islamic Republic’s crackdown. An Iranian told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme: “It’s like a warzone, the streets are full of blood.” Another woman added: “Things here are very, very bad. A lot of our friends have been killed. They’re carrying out a massacre.”
Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, warned of possible US intervention: “The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before.” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded firmly, saying: “We are ready for war but also for dialogue.” He suggested that Trump’s warning could be exploited by “terrorists” to justify foreign intervention.
Over 10,600 people have been detained during the protests, and almost 200 body bags have been seen in footage from a Tehran morgue. Authorities have imposed an internet shutdown since Thursday, making it difficult to track developments or the full scale of casualties.
The protests, the largest since the 2022 nationwide uprising, were initially sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish woman detained by morality police for allegedly violating Iran’s hijab rules. They intensified due to a currency crisis, rising inflation, and increased prices of food and gasoline.
Tragically, students and young activists have been directly targeted. Rubina Aminian, 23, was shot in the head from close range while participating in protests in Marivan. Her family was forced to bury her body along the road, as intelligence forces prevented a proper funeral.
Trump has discussed restoring internet access in Iran with Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX, to help protesters communicate, while also weighing military, cyber, and diplomatic options. The US military has been postured with forces across the Middle East and Caribbean, including aircraft carriers and guided-missile destroyers, ready to respond if necessary.
Meanwhile, Iran has mobilized pro-government demonstrators, with crowds shouting “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” across major cities. The country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, and Tehran officials have warned that anyone taking part in protests could be considered an “enemy of God”, a charge punishable by death.
Iran’s leadership is sending a clear message: despite mounting casualties, including at least 15 deaths and 580 arrests during recent demonstrations, the regime remains determined to suppress unrest. Security forces have been instructed to deal decisively with rioters, while government officials continue to blame foreign interference and “terrorists” for the unrest.
International reactions have been swift. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned Iran’s “disproportionate and brutal violence”, calling it a “sign of weakness”, while Canada urged the regime to halt killings and respect human rights. The Pope also appealed for dialogue and peace.
Exiled opposition figures, including Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s former shah, have urged the US to intervene, calling the crackdown “an opportunity to help the Iranian people liberate themselves.” Meanwhile, Trump has signaled willingness to meet with Iranian officials, though he warned that he may have to act militarily before negotiations can take place.
The protests have now spread to over 280 locations in 27 of Iran’s 31 provinces, with demonstrators staging sit-ins, street marches, and overnight demonstrations in response to calls from exiled opposition leaders. Despite the government’s efforts to cut off communication and intimidate participants, Iranians continue to demand freedom, reform, and accountability.
As tensions escalate, the world watches closely. Trump has emphasized US readiness to support freedom in Iran, while Iran signals both defiance and willingness to negotiate, creating a dangerous standoff with potentially global consequences.
