"Those abroad fear the information blackout will embolden hardliners within Iran's security services to launch a bloody crackdown, despite warnings from Mr Trump that he is willing to strike Iran to protect peaceful demonstrators. Mr Trump offered support for the protesters, saying on social media that "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!""
"He went on to directly threaten Israel, "the occupied territory" as he referred to it, and the US military, possibly with a pre-emptive strike. "In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centres, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets," Mr Qalibaf said. "We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat.""
Nationwide protests flooded Tehran and Iran's second-largest city, prompting a heavy security response and an information blackout. More than 10,600 people have been detained over two weeks, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which cross-checks information with activists inside Iran. Fears grew that the blackout would embolden hardliners to launch a bloody crackdown. Former US President Donald Trump expressed support for protesters and was reported to have been offered military options, while the US State Department issued a stern warning about testing presidential resolve. Hardliner Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf praised police and the IRGC and threatened pre-emptive strikes on Israeli and American military targets.
Read at Irish Independent
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