The world is watching Washington and Tehran after a dramatic escalation and sudden pause in hostilities, with Iran intensifying a major internal security clampdown. This follows US President Donald Trump's decision to put planned American air strikes on hold, citing doubts over their potential success.
Strikes Shelved Amid Fears of Failure
According to security sources, President Trump shelved the mission amid fears it might not succeed in its objective of aiding anti-government protests within Iran. The attack option remains "on the table," pending further intelligence from inside the country. A Western security source suggested the right targets could not be pinpointed due to the intense security presence on Tehran's streets, and any action risked harming civilians, which could be exploited by the regime.
Tehran's Intense Crackdown and Conciliatory Gestures
In response to the threat, Iran's leaders are believed to have gone to ground, with troops and police on high alert for further protests. The crackdown on nationwide demonstrations has been severe. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports at least 2,615 deaths, a toll exceeding any other round of unrest in Iran for decades and recalling the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Following Trump's warning that the US would take "very strong action" if Iran executed protesters, Tehran appeared to make conciliatory statements. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there was "no plan" to hang people detained in the crackdown. Reports indicate the death sentence for arrested protester Soltani has been "postponed," a move Trump hailed as "good news" on his Truth Social platform.
Regional Fallout and International Condemnation
The crisis has sent ripples across the Middle East and prompted international concern. Iran closed its airspace to commercial flights for hours without explanation, while the US evacuated troops from key bases in Qatar. Israel was placed on high alert, and the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait restricted travel.
The G7 nations, including the UK, issued a joint statement expressing grave concern and condemning "the deliberate use of violence" by Iranian security forces. Meanwhile, Lufthansa Group announced it would halt night flights to Tel Aviv and Amman for five days due to fears of regional war.
The UN Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss the deadly protests, as the world awaits President Trump's next move and Tehran continues its fierce internal security operation.
