A U.S. naval strike group led by an aircraft carrier has deployed to Middle Eastern waters, the United States said on Monday (January 26, 2026), as Tehran warned it was ready to hit back at any American attack launched in response to a crackdown on anti-government protests.
Iran unveils mural warning of retaliation if U.S. conducts a military strike
A U.S.-based rights group said on Monday (January 26) that it had confirmed the deaths of nearly 6,000 people in the wave of protests suppressed by Iran's security forces, but emphasised the actual toll could be several times higher.
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The protests started in late December, driven by economic grievances, but turned into a mass movement against the Islamic republic, with huge street demonstrations for several days from January 8.
