Deaths from Iran protests surpass 500 as Tehran warns US

A rights group said more than 500 people have been killed in Iran during two weeks of nationwide protests triggered by economic grievances and political anger.

US-based group HRANA said it had verified the deaths of 490 protesters and 48 security personnel, with over 10,600 arrests reported.

Iranian authorities have not released an official toll, and the figures could not be independently verified.

Tehran warned it would retaliate against US interests if Washington intervenes in support of protesters.

In the case of an attack on Iran, all US bases and ships will be our legitimate target.

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned of possible intervention if force is used against demonstrators.

The unrest has unfolded amid an internet blackout that has restricted the flow of information from Iran.

Iranian officials accused the United States and Israel of inciting unrest and called for nationwide rallies to condemn alleged foreign interference.

Israeli officials said the military is monitoring the situation closely and remains on high alert.

Analysts said the protests are unlikely to topple Iran’s leadership but could leave the system significantly weakened.