Protests in Iran, sparked by soaring commodity prices, have escalated into a bloody mass uprising. Human rights organization HRANA reports that the death toll has surpassed 500 following two weeks of unprecedented unrest.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified as US President Donald Trump declared his support for the protesters.

Iran has issued a stern warning, stating that the United States will pay a "heavy price" for any "reckless decisions."

Escalating Casualties and Mass Arrests

According to the latest data from the US-based rights group HRANA, at least 490 protesters and 48 security personnel have been killed. Over the past two weeks, more than 10,600 individuals have been detained.

While the Iranian government has not released official casualty figures, state television broadcasts have shown dozens of body bags in Tehran morgues. Authorities have labeled those killed as "armed terrorists."

Trump Weighs Strategic Options

President Trump took to social media to express his support, stating, "Iran is seeing a glimpse of freedom like never before. The United States is ready to help!"

The Wall Street Journal reports that President Trump is scheduled to meet with senior officials this Tuesday (January 13). He is expected to consider four strategic options:

• Direct military strikes.
• Deployment of covert cyber weapons.
• Implementation of even harsher economic sanctions.
• Providing technological assistance, including internet access, to protesters.

Tehran Issues Retaliatory Warning

Responding to US threats, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament and former Revolutionary Guard commander, issued a sharp warning during a parliamentary session today.

"If Iran is attacked, all US bases and warships deployed in the Middle East, including those in Israel, will become our legitimate targets," Ghalibaf declared.

Ground Reality: Clashes and Communication Blackouts

Since last Thursday, Iran has remained under a total internet blackout. Despite the restrictions, reports of violent clashes between security forces and protesters have emerged from the northeastern city of Mashhad.

Reuters confirmed that protesters have set fires in the streets, with sounds of explosions echoing through the city. In Tehran, footage of overnight marches shows a "sea of people" with no visible beginning or end.

While the Israeli military has officially termed the situation an "internal Iranian matter," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are reportedly in close contact.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) remain on high alert, prepared to respond to any immediate developments.