US-Iran Tensions Escalate: Trump's Warnings, Tehran's Retort, Deadly Protests

• Tensions between the US and Iran are sharply escalating due to a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran, warnings from President Trump, and retaliatory statements from Tehran.
• Human rights groups, including the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, report at least 2,571 deaths in the Iranian protests, a figure also cited by The Associated Press.
• President Trump issued direct messages, canceling meetings with Iranian officials and urging protesters to "take over your institutions," which Tehran called interference.
• Tehran responded strongly, with Ali Larijani accusing the US and Israel of being "main killers" and Iran's defense minister warning of forceful retaliation against US installations and Israel.
• Diplomatic pressure mounts as Qatar calls for peace, the EU and UK announce sanctions, and several European countries summon Iranian ambassadors over the crackdown and internet shutdowns.

Why It Matters: US-Iran tensions surge amid deadly Iranian protests, Trump's warnings, and Tehran's threats of retaliation.