Protests continue across Iran as public anger grows over rising inflation and the sharp fall of the Iranian rial. Demonstrations have now spread to more than 250 locations across the country.
Amid this unrest, several media reports have suggested that the United States may be considering some form of intervention in Iran.
US Action in Venezuela Fuels Speculation
Speculation increased after the United States carried out a military operation in Venezuela over the weekend. That operation led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
As a result, observers now question whether Washington could take similar steps in Iran.
Reports Suggest US and Israel Weigh Options
According to a report by The Jerusalem Post, US officials, along with Israeli counterparts, are reviewing possible responses to the situation in Iran.
“There are indications that Washington is weighing some targeted intervention to assist the protest movement to get over the top of the Iranian regime,” the report said.
The report also added that Israel is examining whether Maduro’s removal could serve as a model for regime change in Iran.
Mossad Message Adds to Tension
These claims gained further attention after Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, publicly expressed support for Iranian protesters on X. The move added to growing speculation about foreign involvement as protests intensify.
Trump Issues Warning to Iran’s Leadership
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump also hinted at possible action. He issued a warning to Iranian authorities and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei through a post on Truth Social.
"If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter!," Trump wrote.
Reports Claim Khamenei Has Exit Plan
Meanwhile, reports suggest Iran’s top leader may be preparing for the worst. According to The Times, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has a backup plan to leave the country if the situation worsens.
The report said the 86-year-old leader plans to flee Tehran with about 20 aides and members of his family. However, HT.com said it could not independently verify this claim.
“The ‘plan B’ is for Khamenei and his very close circle of associates and family, including his son and nominated heir apparent, Mojtaba,” an intelligence source told The Times.
Sources also claimed that Moscow could be his destination, as there may be no other safe option.
Assad’s Exit Seen as Precedent
The report linked this alleged plan to recent events in Syria. Former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow after his government collapsed in December 2024.
According to the report, this precedent may have influenced Khamenei’s contingency planning.
Death Toll and Arrests Continue to Rise
Meanwhile, the human cost of the unrest continues to grow. Data from the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency shows that at least 35 people have died so far. More than 1,200 people have also been detained during the protests.
According to the agency, as cited by AP, those killed include 29 protesters, four children, and two members of Iran’s security forces.
Protests Reach Most Provinces
Demonstrations have now spread to 27 of Iran’s 31 provinces. Protesters have taken to the streets in more than 250 locations nationwide.
As inflation rises and the currency weakens, public anger remains high. Authorities continue to face mounting pressure both at home and abroad.