• Iran's Supreme Leader warns that a U.S. attack would escalate to a regional war.
• Trump expresses hope for a potential deal with Iran despite rising tensions.
• Thousands have reportedly died during recent protests in Iran, amidst accusations of a violent crackdown.
• The European Union has designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization, increasing tensions.
• Iran's leadership continues to blame the U.S. and Israel for recent unrest labeled as 'riots.'

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has cautioned that any U.S. military action against the Islamic Republic would result in a regional war. During a legislative session, Khamenei stated, “The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war,” emphasizing that the country’s recent protests were comparable to a "coup," which he claimed has been suppressed. This statement comes in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of military action following the Iranian government's harsh response to the protests that erupted over high living costs and escalated into widespread anti-government demonstrations, according to Indiatimes and South China Morning Post.

In response to these tensions, Trump indicated that he remains optimistic about reaching a deal with Iran, stating, “Hopefully we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he [Khamenei] was right.” Trump's administration has mobilized an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, expressed concerns over potential miscalculations while conveying a hope that negotiations could resume under Trump's leadership, suggesting that diplomacy remains a possibility if both sides aim for equitable terms, according to South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.

The protests in Iran have reportedly led to the deaths of thousands, with Iranian authorities acknowledging that most casualties were security personnel. Activist groups, however, indicate that the number exceeds 6,800, primarily consisting of protesters. In a recent session, Iranian lawmakers retaliated against the European Union's designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization by labeling the armed forces of EU states as terrorist groups and displaying solidarity by wearing the Guards' uniform, a dramatic reminder of the ongoing strife, according to South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.

As the situation continues to unfold, Firouzeh, a 43-year-old Iranian homemaker, expressed her concerns about the escalating tensions, stating, “Lately, all I do is watch the news until I fall asleep.” This sentiment reflects the widespread anxiety among Iranians about the potential for further conflict. Despite this, Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, maintained that negotiations are progressing, indicating a glimmer of hope for diplomatic engagement amidst the looming threats of war, according to South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.