• Israel on high alert due to potential U.S. intervention in Iran.
• Protests in Iran have resulted in at least 116 fatalities.
• Trump warns Iran against using force on demonstrators.
• Iran threatens retaliation against U.S. and Israeli targets if attacked.
• Netanyahu and U.S. officials discuss intervention strategies.

As anti-government protests in Iran escalate, Israel has entered a state of heightened alert for potential U.S. intervention. This comes in response to nationwide protests marked by violence and considerable casualties, with reports indicating at least 116 people have died since demonstrations began in late December. President Donald Trump has made several statements emphasizing that the U.S. "stands ready to help" Iran's protest movement, further complicating the geopolitical landscape, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

During recent discussions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio talked specifically about the prospect of U.S. intervention. Israeli sources have indicated that internal consultations regarding this matter are taking place, although details on the implications of Israel's alert status remain unclear, according to South China Morning Post and India Times.

Amid the rising tensions, Iran has issued strong warnings against U.S. and Israeli potential military action. A prominent Iranian parliamentary figure stated that any aggression would render U.S. military bases and Israel itself "legitimate targets," a statement underscoring the serious ramifications of any strike. Iran's government is prepared for preemptive action if it perceives threats, as emphasized by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, according to South China Morning Post and India Times.

With the situation in Iran continuing to be volatile, the international community watches closely as the government faces significant internal dissent. The ongoing conflicts have been fueled by economic crises, prompting widespread unrest across major cities in Iran, as the deaths and detentions of protesters rise sharply. The reality of the protests has been bolstered through digital communications, despite significant governmental censorship, according to Reuters and India Times.