Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, has warned that Israel and U.S. military assets and shipping in the region would become “legitimate targets” if Washington intervenes in Iran, as nationwide protests intensified despite a deadly security crackdown and an ongoing internet blackout.
Qalibaf’s remarks came amid escalating rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly threatened action to protect demonstrators and warned Tehran against using lethal force. Reuters reported that Trump said the United States was “ready to help,” while Iranian authorities accused Washington and Israel of fomenting unrest and vowed to confront what they described as “rioters.”
Demonstrators flooded streets in Tehran and other cities from Saturday night into Sunday, defying security measures that rights groups say have included tear gas, beatings and gunfire. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has reported at least 116 deaths and more than 2,600 detentions, though the scale of violence is difficult to verify due to the communications blackout. The Associated Press, citing activists, reported a significantly higher toll, underlining the uncertainty created by restricted access and fragmented reporting.
The demonstrations began in late December over soaring prices and economic distress, before quickly turning into direct challenges to Iran’s clerical leadership, which has ruled since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iran’s leadership has sought to frame the unrest as externally driven. State-linked messaging has blamed foreign interference, while security officials say they have stepped up efforts to restore order. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, retains ultimate authority over major security decisions, including any military escalation beyond Iran’s borders.
The confrontation is unfolding months after a 12-day war in June between Iran and Israel that damaged Iran’s air defences, raising questions among analysts about Tehran’s ability—and willingness—to sustain a wider conflict if tensions spiral.
In Israel, officials have gone on heightened alert amid concerns the crisis could expand, while the region watches for signs that U.S. threats translate into action—or that Tehran’s warnings become more than rhetoric.
