Iran has issued a warning to the United States against any military intervention, saying it would retaliate if U.S. President Donald Trump carries out threats to act as Tehran continues its crackdown on nationwide protests.
The warning was delivered by Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, during a parliamentary session broadcast live on state television.
Speaking to lawmakers, Qalibaf commended the country’s security forces for their response to the protests and cautioned that the U.S. military and Israel would be regarded as legitimate targets if Iran comes under attack.
He described Israel as “the occupied territory” and said Iran would not rule out taking preemptive action if it detects clear signs of an imminent threat.
According to him, any attack on Iran would attract a response targeting American military centres, bases and naval assets in the region, as well as Israeli territory.
Qalibaf added that Iran would not restrict itself to reacting after an attack, but would act based on what he described as objective indicators of danger.
The remarks were made amid heightened tension in the parliament, as some hard-line lawmakers moved towards the dais and chanted anti-U.S. slogans.
Iran has witnessed widespread protests in recent weeks, with demonstrators challenging the country’s political and religious leadership, prompting a sustained security clampdown by authorities.
Activist groups have estimated that over 100 people have died during the protests, while thousands have been arrested, although official figures remain unclear due to internet restrictions and disrupted communication services.
President Trump has warned that the United States could intervene if Iranian authorities use excessive force against protesters.
Earlier this month, he said the U.S. was prepared to act if peaceful demonstrators were killed, adding that Washington was ready to respond if necessary.
Trump also stated on his Truth Social platform that the United States stood ready to support Iranians seeking freedom.
Meanwhile, reports by the New York Times indicated that the U.S. President has been briefed on possible military strike options against Iran, but has not taken a final decision on the matter.
