Iranian authorities have issued a warning that they are prepared to retaliate if the U.S. attacks them following Donald Trump's threats, while protests remain intense with more than 100 deaths reported.
The BBC reported on 11 Jan 2026 that Iranian officials warned they would respond if the U.S. decided to attack following such threats, as protesters continued to defy government crackdowns on Saturday night. Two hospital officials told media that over 100 bodies had been delivered to their facilities in just two days.
BBC noted that video footage from the scene and eyewitness accounts indicate the Iranian government is escalating its crackdown on protests that have spread to over 100 cities across all provinces in Iran.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iran "very hard" if they "start killing their people." On Saturday (10 Jan), Trump added, “The U.S. is ready to help as Iran seeks freedom.”
On the same day, Iran's parliamentary speaker responded to Trump's threats, stating that if the U.S. initiates an attack, Israel and all U.S. military and naval supply bases in the region will immediately become legitimate targets.
The ongoing protests in Iran are primarily driven by public dissatisfaction over severe economic crises, such as high inflation, currency devaluation, and rising essential goods prices, which then expanded into discontent with mismanagement, corruption, and the government's foreign policies, alongside demands for regime change by the younger generation.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have intensified their suppression of demonstrators. Recently, the country's attorney general declared that anyone participating in the protests would be considered an "enemy of God," punishable by death. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused protesters of being a savage group trying to "appease" Donald Trump.
As the protests grow more violent, the numbers of dead and injured continue to rise. Two human rights organizations report more than 100 deaths, including security personnel.
Hospital officials told the BBC they are overwhelmed by the number of injured and dead. BBC confirmed that 70 bodies were brought to a hospital in Rasht on Friday night, and a medical staff member disclosed approximately 38 deaths at a hospital in Tehran.
Iran's police commander told state television that confrontations with protesters have intensified, with “key instigators” arrested on Saturday night. He claimed most deaths were caused by trained and directed individuals, not security forces, but did not provide further details.
According to human rights groups, more than 2,500 protesters have been detained since the demonstrations began on 28 Dec 2025.
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Source:bbc