Iran has warned that the United States military and Israel would be treated as “legitimate targets” if Washington attacks the Islamic Republic, escalating tensions as anti-government protests continue across the country.
The warning was issued on Sunday, January 11, by Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, following threats of possible military action by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to the Associated Press.
Trump also posted on Truth Social on Saturday, announcing that America “stands ready to help” since Iran “is looking at freedom.”
Responding while speaking in Iran’s parliament, Qalibaf said any American strike would be met with retaliation that would lead to Tehran striking back against Israel and regional United States military bases as “legitimate targets”. The comments were made as lawmakers rushed the dais, chanting “Death to America”.
The developments come as Israel remains on high alert amid concerns that the United States could intervene in Iran, particularly as protests intensify nationwide.
Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the possibility of U.S. intervention in Iran during a phone call on Saturday, according to Reuters and Sky News.
Protests in Iran
Iran has been gripped by widespread unrest for more than two weeks, with anti-government chants filling the streets of Tehran on Saturday night, despite a heavy security clampdown enforced under an internet blackout. The demonstrations represent the most serious challenge to Iran’s leadership in more than three years.
Iranian authorities have indicated they may further escalate their response, with the Revolutionary Guards vowing to safeguard the government. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has blamed the unrest on foreign interference and the United States.
Reports of violence have emerged from multiple cities, though the ongoing internet blackout has made it difficult to verify the full scale of the unrest. Monitoring group Netblocks said the blackout has lasted at least 48 hours.
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President Trump on Saturday said the United States was prepared to support the protest movement, a day after warning that Iran was in “big trouble” and reiterating that he could order additional military action following Washington’s backing of Israel during the 12-day war with Iran in June.
“Iran is looking at freedom, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
The protests began on December 28 following the collapse of the Iranian rial, which is trading at more than 1.4 million to the U.S. dollar, as Iran’s economy continues to suffer under international sanctions linked in part to its nuclear programme. The demonstrations have since expanded into calls for the removal of the clerical leadership.
On Saturday, crowds gathered again in northern Tehran, setting off fireworks and banging pots while chanting slogans supporting Iran’s ousted monarchy, according to videos verified by AFP. Protests were also reported in Mashhad, Tabriz, Qom and other districts of Tehran.
Death toll grows amid crackdown
Reza Pahlavi, the U.S.-based son of Iran’s deposed shah, called for more coordinated protests, urging demonstrators to take control of city centres.
“Our goal is no longer just to take to the streets. The goal is to prepare to seize and hold city centres,” he said in a video message shared on social media.
Iranian authorities have hardened their stance in recent days. On Saturday, Attorney-General Mohammad Movahedi Azad warned that anyone taking part in the protests would be treated as an “enemy of God,” a charge that carries the death penalty under Iranian law. The statement, broadcast on state television, said even those who “helped rioters” would face prosecution.
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Human rights groups say the death toll continues to rise. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists in Iran group reported that at least 72 people have been killed and more than 2,300 detained since the protests began.
Amnesty International said it was analysing “distressing reports that security forces have intensified their unlawful use of lethal force against protesters.”
Ali Rahmani, the son of imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, warned that the situation could deteriorate further.
“They are fighting, and losing their lives, against a dictatorial regime,” Rahmani said.
Norway-based Iran Human Rights said it had obtained images showing bodies of people shot dead on the floor of Alghadir hospital in eastern Tehran, describing the images as evidence of excessive and lethal force.
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quit the street full of people this is the united states dont let other countries see this action stay home go to work clean your house help other people my family was never allowed to walk the streets go and vote if you do not like what is happening. do not ruin our country. also the signs on the streets with fifty language . how are these people raised.