US shifts Iran policy as Trump administration revives aggressive messaging toward Tehran, contrasting sharply with previous diplomatic approaches.

As Iran is gripped by new protests, many people there are focused on the U.S. raid in Venezuela and wonder whether the same could occur in Tehran.

Tehran also increasingly cut back its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog, as tensions increased over its nuclear program in recent years. The IAEA’s director-general has warned Iran could build as many as 10 nuclear bombs, should it decide to weaponize its program.

At least 29 protesters have been killed and more than 1,200 people have been detained in nine days of anti-government protests in Iran, according to activits.

The U.S. striking Venezuela and capturing its leader has practical implications for China, Russia, Iran and Cuba, and it also sends messages to each nation.

Iran's efforts to quell a wave of anti-government protests have been complicated by Donald Trump's threat to intervene on their side, a warning firmly underlined by the subsequent U.S. capture of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro,

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is grappling with multiple crises as the U.S. threatens to intervene to stop the violence.

Iran's National Defense Council issued a statement that warned that any encroachment on its security or national integrity would be met with an “appropriate, targeted, and decisive response.