Iran says over 100 officers killed as protesters defy government crackdown

"Iran's state media says dozens of security forces have been killed during protests in the sanctions-hit country against a severe economic crisis, as the parliament speaker warned the United States and Israel of retaliatory strikes if Washington attacks the Islamic Republic. State television said on Sunday 30 members of the police and security forces were killed in Isfahan province, while the commander of the Law Enforcement Command Special Units said eight security forces were killed on January 8 and 9 during operations to quell riots in various cities."

"The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday that 109 security personnel had been killed in the protests across the country. The Iranian Red Crescent, meanwhile, said a member of its team died during an attack on one of its relief buildings in Gorgan, the capital of Golestan province. The reported figures come as Iranian authorities step up efforts to quell the country's largest protests in years, which have seen thousands of people take to the streets in anger over the soaring cost of living and inflation."

"Let us be clear: in the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories (Israel) as well as all US bases and ships will be our legitimate target, said Qalibaf, a former commander in Iran's Revolutionary Guards."

Nationwide protests have erupted across Iran amid a severe economic crisis and soaring inflation, prompting thousands to take to the streets. State and semi-official media reported significant casualties among police and security forces, with reported death tolls ranging from dozens to over a hundred across multiple provinces. The Iranian Red Crescent reported one team member killed during an attack on a relief building. Authorities have intensified efforts to quell unrest, with officials saying riots are subsiding while warning participants could face the death penalty. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned the United States against any miscalculation and threatened retaliatory strikes if Iran is attacked.

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