Amid deadly protests, Iran vows to strike Israel, US bases if attacked
TEHRAN: Iran warned President Donald Trump on Sunday that any attack by the United States would trigger Tehran’s retaliation against Israel and American military bases in the region, as tensions escalate over Washington’s increasingly vocal support for anti-government protests sweeping the Islamic Republic.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf told lawmakers that Israel and regional US military installations would be considered “legitimate targets” if Washington launches strikes against Iran, marking a sharp escalation in rhetoric as the country faces its largest protest movement in years.
The warning comes as Israel has placed its military on high alert for the possibility of US intervention in Iran, according to three Israeli sources with knowledge of security consultations held over the weekend. The sources did not elaborate on what the heightened alert status means in practical terms.
President Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene in recent days, warning Iran’s rulers against using force against demonstrators. “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday, without providing specifics on what form American assistance might take.
A day earlier, Trump said Iran was in “big trouble” and again warned he could order military strikes against the country.
The escalating situation prompted a phone call Saturday between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the possibility of American intervention, according to an Israeli source present for the conversation. A US official confirmed the call took place but declined to specify what topics were discussed.
Israel and Iran fought a 12-day war in June during which the US joined Israel in launching airstrikes. Current tensions remain high over Israeli concerns about Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Despite the heightened alert, Israel has not signaled a desire to directly intervene as protests grip Iran. Monitoring Desk
