The situation in Iran has reached a boiling point, with reports indicating that over 200 protestors have lost their lives. Despite the mounting casualties, the demonstrators remain resolute, showing no signs of retreating from their challenge to the ruling mullahs. The United States has issued a cautionary statement to Iran, urging restraint in the face of escalating tensions. However, as of now, there has been no direct military engagement by American forces within Iranian borders. The persistence of the Iranian protestors highlights their enduring determination in this struggle.

In a rather perplexing development, Iran’s long-standing Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has made the decision to activate the country’s so-called “missile cities.” This move raises questions about its intended purpose and effectiveness in the current context.

Missiles are inherently destructive tools, designed to obliterate rather than protect. The concept of using them to safeguard public property seems contradictory, as missiles lack the capability to detain or manage individuals; their sole function is to destroy. The decision underscores the complex and potentially dangerous dynamics at play in this ongoing conflict.

At least 65 people, including 50 protesters and 15 security personnel, have been killed as of Jan. 9, according to the Iranian rights group HRANA, although the true toll could be much higher.

A doctor told TIME that at least 217 protester deaths have been recorded across just six hospitals in Tehran — “most by live ammunition.”

Now, in a move that’s a bit puzzling, we’ve learned that Iran’s nearly fossilized Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ordered Iran’s “missile cities” to be activated.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader placed the country’s security services on its highest alert Saturday.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to activate “missile cities,” or giant underground caches of ballistic weapons, sources told The Telegraph.

“The IRGC’s underground missile cities – which were deliberately kept intact during the 12-day war – are all on high alert,” the insider said, adding that any intervention by the US could trigger an “apocalyptic” war.

The IRGC warned the public Saturday that safeguarding security was a “red line,” and the military vowed to protect public property.

How, exactly, does one protect public property with missiles? Those are designed to destroy property, public and private. Missiles don’t arrest people. They blow things up.