The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group has entered the US Central Command area near Iranian waters. This move comes as Iran faces its harshest protest crackdown in decades. Thousands have reportedly died or been detained amid an ongoing internet blackout. Iranian leaders face pressure from both street protests demanding regime change and uncertain US actions. Iran’s past retaliations to US strikes were limited and controlled, but now the situation is different. The recent wave of unrest deeply unsettled Iran’s regime, which has used strong force to regain control after briefly losing parts of cities to protesters. Iranian officials warn any US attack, no matter the size, would be seen as an act of war. This alarm has spread to neighboring countries and Israel, putting the whole region at risk. President Trump has issued vague warnings to Iran and promised help to protesters, raising tensions. Both sides understand each other’s strengths and limits, but misjudgments could lead to a wider conflict. Iran may no longer follow its earlier pattern of slow retaliation. A quick Iranian response could spiral into regional violence and chaos with serious consequences for millions. The situation is tense, with little room for error.