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Iran warns US and Israel could become ‘legitimate targets’ if attacked, amid nationwide protests and Trump’s threats- escalating tensions push the region closer to a dangerous tipping point.
The remarks come amid escalating tensions over nationwide protests in Iran
Tehran: Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has issued a stark warning to the United States and Israel, declaring that both countries would become “legitimate targets” if Washington carries out military action against Iran. The warning comes amid heightened tensions following nationwide protests in Iran and escalating rhetoric from the Trump administration.
“In the event of a US military attack, both Israel and US military and shipping centers will be our legitimate target,” Ghalibaf said, according to Iran International. He added that Iran would not limit itself to retaliatory action, emphasizing that the country would act within the framework of legitimate defense.
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“We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after an action, and we are telling Trump and his allies in the region not to make a miscalculation,” Ghalibaf warned, reportedly calling President Trump “delusional.”
During the session, which was described as chaotic, Iranian lawmakers rushed the dais and chanted slogans including “Death to America!” Several unverified videos showing the uproar have circulated on social media, though their authenticity could not be independently confirmed.
In a separate statement in the same parliamentary session, Ghalibaf reiterated Iran’s warning in stronger terms. “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,” he said, signaling a broad scope for potential Iranian action.
The warning comes as Iran faces ongoing protests challenging the country’s theocratic system. Demonstrations have entered their third week in cities including Tehran and Mashhad, with reports indicating at least 116 deaths linked to the unrest, according to the Associated Press.
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With phone lines cut and internet services disrupted across much of Iran, independent verification of events has been difficult. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates that around 2,600 people have been detained during the protests.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has voiced support for Iranian demonstrators, tweeting, “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” Trump has also discussed potential military options, further escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
As protests continue and international attention grows, the situation in Iran remains volatile, with the risk of confrontation between global powers looming large.
