KEY TAKEAWAYS

• What is the warning against America... this time?

• To date: 538 protesters have been killed

• Update on the protests in Iran

• America indicates they will monitor Iran with focus

• Is Donald Trump going to bomb the powers to be in Iran?

A WARNING FROM: The Middle East

Daniel TJ International Correspondent Tokyo, Japan

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf is issuing a stark warning to the United States and its allies, as nationwide protests continue to grip the country and the death toll climbs.

"As of January 12th 2026 there are more than 538 protesters killed in Iran."

Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, delivered a fiery address inside parliament, warning that any U.S. military action against Iran would be met with retaliation.

Speaking as lawmakers chanted slogans including “Death to America,” Qalibaf said U.S. military bases, naval vessels, and even Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” if Washington attacks Iran.

That language is unusually blunt — and it’s raising alarms well beyond Tehran.

Now, let’s step back and look at how we got here.

The unrest began in late December, sparked by economic pressure: a collapsing currency, soaring inflation, and deep frustration among ordinary Iranians.

But what started as protests over prices and wages has quickly evolved into broader demonstrations demanding political change.

Protests have spread across major cities — including Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan — with demonstrators defying heavy security forces.

Human rights organizations say hundreds of civilians may have been killed in the crackdown, with some estimates exceeding 538 deaths.

Verification has been difficult as Iranian authorities continue to tighten internet restrictions and impose blackouts. Thousands have reportedly been arrested.

This domestic crisis is now colliding with global politics.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned publicly that continued killings of protesters could prompt a U.S. response — including possible military action.

That warning appears to have triggered Iran’s latest escalation in rhetoric, particularly among hard-liners within the government.

Inside parliament, Qalibaf’s remarks were delivered amid visible tension. Analysts note that his choice of words — especially the phrase “legitimate targets” — suggests Iran would not limit any response to its own territory, but could strike U.S. assets across the region.

Iranian state media later framed the comments as “deterrence,” not a call for war. Still, the message was heard loudly — both inside Iran and abroad.

On the ground, the situation remains volatile.

Residents in Tehran describe nighttime curfews enforced by armored vehicles, with large numbers of young protesters continuing to gather despite the risks.

One local journalist described the unrest as “a test of Iran’s soul,” saying people fear not only the bullets, but what may follow if the violence continues.

International reaction is cautious — and tense.

U.S. defense officials say American forces and allies are prepared to defend themselves if necessary.

In Israel, officials confirmed they are closely monitoring developments after being explicitly mentioned in Iran’s warning.

Diplomatic sources say military planners across the region are reviewing contingencies.

Meanwhile, international organizations are urging restraint — calling on Iran to halt violence against civilians and warning all sides against escalating military brinkmanship.

And this is why this moment matters.

When a senior Iranian leader publicly threatens U.S. and allied targets — in the middle of a deadly internal crackdown — the risk of miscalculation grows dramatically.

Analysts warn that even a single incident could push this crisis far beyond Iran’s streets and into a wider regional conflict.

For now, the world is watching — closely.

And for protesters inside Iran, their fight for change is now unfolding under the shadow of one of the most serious geopolitical standoffs in years.

We’ll continue to follow developments throughout the morning.

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