Violent protests in Iran have escalated into the biggest challenge to the Ayatollah regime in decades, with conflicting death tolls adding to global alarm. As Tehran faces internal unrest and international scrutiny, US President Donald Trump has announced a 25 percent tariff on countries doing business with Iran. Washington is weighing further punitive steps, including military and diplomatic options. While Iran says it is open to talks based on mutual respect, it has also warned it is fully prepared for war. With China exposed through Iranian oil imports, fears of wider geopolitical fallout continue to grow.