Iran Unrest: Tehran Vows Retaliation Against US & Israel if America Strikes Amid Widespread Protests – ‘Legitimate Targets’ Warning

Tehran warned on Sunday that it would retaliate against Israel and United States military bases if Washington launches strikes on Iran, escalating tensions as anti-government protests spread nationwide and Israel moves to a high state of alert.

Tehran, Iran | chatzyr.net

The warning came amid Iran’s most serious unrest since 2022, with demonstrations initially triggered by soaring inflation but rapidly evolving into political protests demanding an end to clerical rule. Iranian officials accuse the United States and Israel of fuelling the unrest.

Speaking in parliament, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf cautioned Washington against what he called “a miscalculation.”

“In the event of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories (Israel), as well as all US bases and ships, will be legitimate targets,” said Qalibaf, a former commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

Israel on High Alert as US Signals Readiness to Act

Three Israeli sources familiar with weekend security consultations said Israel is on high alert for possible US intervention, though they declined to provide details. An Israeli government spokesperson refused to comment, and the military did not respond to requests for clarification.

The escalation follows a 12-day conflict in June between Iran and Israel, during which the United States joined Israeli airstrikes. Iran later retaliated by launching missiles at a US air base in Qatar.

Trump Warns Iran, Offers Support to Protesters

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Iranian leaders against using force on demonstrators. On Saturday, he said the US was prepared to help.

“Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” Trump posted on social media.

According to an Israeli source, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the possibility of US intervention during a phone call on Saturday. A US official confirmed the call but did not disclose details.

Death Toll Rises as Internet Blackout Limits Information

A US-based rights group, HRANA, reported that at least 116 people have been killed, including mostly protesters and 37 members of Iran’s security forces. Iranian authorities have imposed an internet blackout since Thursday, restricting the flow of information.

Iranian state television aired funeral processions for security personnel in western cities such as Gachsaran and Yasuj. Meanwhile, verified social media footage showed crowds in Tehran’s Punak neighbourhood banging on metal structures at night in apparent protest.

Regional and International Concerns Grow

The Pakistan embassy in Tehran has established a crisis management unit to assist its citizens, providing emergency contact numbers for those inside Iran.

A senior US intelligence official described the situation as an “endurance game,” saying protesters are attempting to maintain pressure until defections occur within the regime, while authorities aim to suppress unrest without provoking US intervention.

In an interview with The Economist, Netanyahu warned of “horrible consequences” if Iran attacks Israel, adding that developments inside Iran could prove decisive.

Why This Matters

With Iran unrest intensifying, US intervention looming, and Israel on high alert, the region faces a dangerous escalation that could reshape Middle East geopolitics.

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