Iran warns U.S. and Israel over possible military action linked to protests

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s parliament speaker on Sunday warned that U.S. forces and Israel would become “legitimate targets” should Washington carry out military strikes against Iran amid escalating nationwide protests challenging the country’s theocratic leadership.

Speaking during a live-broadcast session of the Iranian parliament, Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf issued the warning as demonstrations entered their third week, with activists reporting at least 116 deaths and thousands of arrests linked to the unrest.

“In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centers, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets,” Qalibaf said, referring to Israel as “the occupied territory.” He added, “We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat.”

Lawmakers punctuated his remarks by rushing the parliamentary dais and chanting, “Death to America!”

The warning came as protests continued to spread across Iran despite an ongoing internet shutdown and restricted phone services, which have made independent verification difficult. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 2,600 people have been detained, warning that the communications blackout could enable a harsher crackdown by security forces.

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly voiced support for Iranian protesters, writing on social media: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous U.S. officials, reported that Trump has been presented with military strike options against Iran, though no final decision has been announced.

The U.S. State Department also issued a stern warning, saying: “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.”

Iranian state television aired Qalibaf’s speech in full, showing him praising police forces and the Revolutionary Guard, particularly the volunteer Basij paramilitary, for having “stood firm” against the protests. Qalibaf, a hard-liner and former presidential candidate, suggested Iran could even launch preemptive action if it detects imminent threats.

Despite the rhetoric, analysts note that any decision to go to war ultimately rests with Iran’s Supreme Leader, 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Questions also remain about Iran’s military readiness following a recent 12-day conflict with Israel that reportedly degraded parts of its air defense systems.

The U.S. military said its forces in the Middle East remain prepared. “We are postured with forces that span the full range of combat capability to defend our forces, our partners and allies and U.S. interests,” the military said. Iran previously targeted U.S. assets at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in June, while the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet remains stationed in Bahrain.

Israel, for its part, said it is “watching closely” developments between Washington and Tehran. An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed Iran during an overnight call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Inside Iran, videos circulating online — reportedly transmitted via Starlink satellite connections — showed protesters gathering in northern Tehran’s Punak neighborhood, waving lit mobile phones as streets appeared blocked by authorities. Other footage showed peaceful marches, honking car convoys, fireworks, and residents banging metal objects in protest.

“The pattern of protests in the capital has largely taken the form of scattered, short-lived, and fluid gatherings,” the Human Rights Activists News Agency said, citing heavy security presence, drone surveillance, and ongoing monitoring around protest sites.

In Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city and home to the Imam Reza shrine, videos appeared to show clashes between protesters and security forces, with burning debris and dumpsters blocking roads. Protests were also reported in Kerman, southeast of Tehran.

State television attempted to project calm by broadcasting footage from select cities showing quiet streets and pro-government rallies in Qom and Qazvin. Tehran and Mashhad were notably absent from these reports.

Ali Larijani, a senior security official, accused some protesters of violence, saying on state TV that they were “killing people or burning some people, which is very similar to what ISIS does.” State media aired funerals of slain security personnel and reported that six more members of the security forces were killed in Kermanshah.

Even reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian struck a firmer tone in a Sunday interview, saying: “People have concerns, we should sit with them and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns. But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urged demonstrators to continue protesting. His calls have drawn mixed reactions due to his perceived ties to Israel, especially following the recent war. While some protesters have chanted slogans in support of the former shah, it remains unclear whether this reflects backing for Pahlavi himself or nostalgia for the pre-1979 era.

The unrest began on Dec. 28 following the sharp collapse of the Iranian rial, now trading at more than 1.4 million to the U.S. dollar as Iran’s economy continues to suffer under international sanctions tied largely to its nuclear program. What started as economic protests has since evolved into direct challenges to Iran’s ruling system.