Iran has heightened its security measures following the postponement of US air-strikes due to concerns about their potential success. Leaders are reportedly in hiding, and security forces are on high alert in anticipation of further protests after President Trump warned of possible retaliation over allegations that Tehran would execute detained opposition figures.
It is speculated that President Trump decided to delay the mission out of fear that it might not achieve its intended goals in supporting the anti-government demonstrations. However, the option for a military strike remains on the table pending additional intelligence from inside Iran.
According to a source, there are significant challenges in accurately targeting specific sites in cities like Tehran due to the intense surveillance on the streets. There is also a crucial emphasis on avoiding civilian casualties to prevent the regime from exploiting such incidents to suppress the protests further.
The United Nations Security Council has called for an emergency meeting to address the deadly protests in Iran at the behest of the United States. In response, Tehran has made conciliatory statements to ease tensions after Trump’s threat of intervention to prevent further violence against protesters.
The recent crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran has resulted in a reported death toll of at least 2,615, as per the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. This casualty figure surpasses the fatalities from previous unrest in Iran and evokes memories of the upheaval during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The Iranian judiciary has charged detained individuals with offenses related to undermining national security and propagating anti-establishment activities. Although these charges do not carry the death penalty, concerns persist about the fate of those arrested. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that there are no plans to execute any protesters.
President Trump’s warnings of strong action in response to potential executions in Iran have led to a temporary suspension of death sentences for detainees, including Soltani. Trump expressed relief over this development and labeled it as positive news on social media.
In response to the escalating tensions, Iran briefly closed its airspace to commercial flights, and evacuations were carried out at key US military installations in Qatar and other locations. Israel has heightened its alert status in anticipation of a potential attack and the likelihood of a retaliatory response from Iran, particularly amid concerns that Lebanese Hezbollah could target northern regions with rockets.
The G7 nations and the EU have jointly expressed serious concerns about the situation in Iran and condemned the brutal crackdown on protesters by Iranian authorities. They strongly oppose the use of excessive force by security forces against demonstrators and have called for an end to the violence.
Amid fears of conflict in the region, Europe’s largest airline group has announced the suspension of night flights to and from Tel Aviv and Amman for five days. Lufthansa and its affiliated airlines will operate flights only during daytime hours due to the current uncertainties in the Middle East.