Overview
- Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that U.S. and Israeli bases, ships and territory would be treated as legitimate targets if Iran is attacked.
- President Donald Trump has reviewed options ranging from airstrikes and a carrier-led naval deployment to cyber operations, new sanctions and satellite internet assistance, according to U.S. media citing officials.
- No decision has been announced, with additional briefings expected this week as the White House weighs risks of Iranian retaliation and the possibility that external strikes could rally support for Tehran.
- Rights groups report at least 490 to 538 people killed and more than 10,600 detained during nationwide protests that began December 28, figures difficult to verify under an extensive internet and phone blackout.
- Israel says it is closely monitoring the unrest, praises Iranian demonstrators and maintains a defensive posture while describing the protests as an internal Iranian matter.