Iran has warned that U.S. and Israeli armed forces would be “legitimate targets” if it is attacked, as President Donald Trump weighs up military options amid escalating protests and a nationwide internet and phone blackout, according to reporting from The Associated Press (AP).
Why It Matters
The Iranian parliament speaker’s threats to target U.S. troops and Israel mark a dangerous escalation in a rapidly deteriorating situation. The Associated Press said that nationwide demonstrations against Iran’s government, spurred by economic collapse and government crackdowns, have already left 116 people dead and 2,600 detained, according to activists.
What To Know
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, issued a televised warning, declaring: “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. We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat.” His remarks prompted lawmakers to chant “Death to America!” on the parliament floor, highlighting escalating hostility toward the U.S. amid the crisis.
The warnings come as Iran faces its most widespread protests in years. Unrest began on December 28, 2025, over the collapse of Iran’s currency—the rial—which now trades at over 1.4 million to the dollar, and has since grown into open calls for regime change.
Internet and phone lines remain cut in much of the country, making direct reporting difficult, but online video footage—believed to have been streamed via Starlink satellite transmitters—seemingly shows demonstrators gathering in Tehran’s Punak neighborhood, setting off fireworks and waving their mobile phones.
Amid these developments, Trump has repeatedly threatened action should Iran’s crackdown worsen. Anonymous U.S. officials told The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal that he had reviewed military options for a strike, though no final decision had been made, at the time of reporting. The Associated Press reported that the U.S. State Department issued a public warning: “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.”
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump previously told reporters that: “If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they’re going to get hit very hard by the United States.”
On social media, Trump declared, “Iran is looking at freedom, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
In the televised parliamentary session, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said: “The people of Iran should know that we will deal with them in the most severe way and punish those who are arrested.”
What Happens Next
Any additional military action would hinge on decisions made by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Trump, as events continue to evolve rapidly. The Associated Press reported that an anonymous Israeli official said Israel is “watching [the situation] closely.” With protests persisting—another one is planned for Sunday, according to The Associated Press—and the death toll climbing, the prospect of a U.S.-Iran confrontation remains a critical focus in Washington, Tehran, and Israel.
