Tehran issued a warning to the United States and Israel against any intervention in the ongoing nationwide protests, which have now entered their third week, while simultaneously attempting to appease its citizenry amid rising fatalities. The demonstrations, which intensified on Saturday following calls from Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's former Shah, for protesters to seize city centers and stage strikes, have prompted international concern.

Since the unrest began on Dec. 28, former U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly cautioned the Iranian regime against firing on demonstrators. Trump also received briefings on potential military strike options, signaling a heightened level of U.S. attention to the situation.

According to the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights group, at least 192 protesters, including nine minors, have been confirmed dead as of Sunday. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported a slightly lower death toll of 116, noting that most fatalities resulted from live ammunition or pellet gunfire.

In an apparent effort to de-escalate tensions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian offered condolences to the families of those affected by the unrest during a state television interview on Sunday. "Your protests must be heard, and we must address your concerns," Pezeshkian stated. "Let's sit down [and talk]."

The current wave of protests in Iran reflects deep-seated grievances related to economic hardship, political restrictions, and social issues. Iran has experienced periodic bouts of unrest in recent years, often triggered by similar factors. The 1979 Islamic Revolution, which ousted the Shah and established the current theocratic regime, was itself fueled by widespread discontent. The country's complex political landscape includes both hardline and reformist factions, contributing to internal tensions.

The international community remains divided on how to respond to the situation in Iran. Western governments have largely condemned the government's crackdown on protesters, while other nations have adopted a more cautious approach. The potential for external intervention remains a sensitive issue, given Iran's strategic importance in the Middle East and its complex relationship with regional and global powers. The United Nations has called for an independent investigation into the violence, urging the Iranian government to respect the rights of its citizens to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. The protests are ongoing, and the situation remains fluid.