NATIONWIDE protests challenging Iran’s theocracy saw protesters flood the streets of both its capital Tehran and second-largest city Mashhad today.

At least 203 people have reportedly been killed since the protests began two weeks ago.

With the internet down and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. But the death toll has grown, while around 2,600 people have been detained, according to the United States-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

Internationally, Iran’s parliament speaker warned the US military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if the US strikes the Islamic Republic, as threatened by US President Donald Trump. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf made the threat as lawmakers rushed the dais in the Iranian parliament, shouting: “Death to America!”

President Trump offered to intervene, saying on social media that “Iran is looking at freedom, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”

Citing anonymous US sources, the New York Times and Wall Street Journal said on Saturday night that President Trump had been given military options for a strike on Iran, but hadn’t made a final decision.

The State Department separately warned: “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.”

In a speech broadcast on Iranian television Mr Qalibaf, a hard-liner who has run for the presidency in the past, applauded the police and Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, particularly its all-volunteer Basij, for having “stood firm” during the protests.

He said: “The people of Iran should know that we will deal with them in the most severe way and punish those who are arrested.”

He added: “In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centres, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets. 

“We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat.”

Online videos sent out of Iran, likely using Starlink satellite transmitters, allegedly showed demonstrators gathering in northern Tehran’s Punak neighbourhood. 

There, it appeared authorities shut off streets, with protesters waving their lit mobile phones. Others banged metal while fireworks went off.

“The pattern of protests in the capital has largely taken the form of scattered, short-lived, and fluid gatherings an approach shaped in response to the heavy presence of security forces and increased field pressure,” the Human Rights Activists News Agency said.