JERUSALEM / ISTANBUL

The mayor of Dimona in southern Israel ordered the opening of public shelters across the city on Wednesday evening amid heightened regional tensions, Israeli media reported.

The decision was taken because “it is better to be prepared than surprised,” Mayor Benny Biton said in comments carried by the daily Israel Hayom.

Israeli Telegram platforms circulated images, whose authenticity could not be independently verified, claiming the Iron Dome air-defense system was being deployed to Jerusalem.

The developments come as US officials escalated rhetoric against Iran, which has been rocked by anti-government protests since last month over worsening economic conditions.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump told CBS News that Washington would take “very strong action” if Iranian authorities carried out executions of protesters.

Israel has been preparing for the possibility that Iran could launch missiles at its territory should Washington move to attack Tehran.

In June, Israel, with US backing, launched a 12-day war on Iran, which responded with drone and missile strikes on Israeli targets before the US announced a ceasefire.

Both Israel and Iran view each other as arch-enemies and have traded accusations for years over sabotage operations and cyberattacks.

On Tuesday, the Israeli daily Maariv reported that Israel has raised the alert level of its air force, military intelligence directorate (Aman), and the Northern Command in anticipation of a possible US strike on Iran.

Iranian government officials have accused the US and Israel of backing what they describe as “riots” and “terrorism” amid the ongoing protests.

Iranian authorities have not released official figures on casualties or detainees. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a US-based group, estimates that at least 2,500 people have been killed, including protesters and security personnel, and more than 1,100 others injured.