Key Points:
- Qalibaf warned US military bases, shipping centers, and Israel would be legitimate targets if America strikes Iran
- Iranian lawmakers chanted “Death to America” and climbed onto the parliamentary podium during Qalibaf’s speech
- President Trump has been briefed on potential strike options against Iran, including large-scale airstrikes on military targets
- Netanyahu and Rubio discussed US intervention possibilities in a Saturday phone call as Israel remains on high alert
- Iran is experiencing its biggest anti-government protests in years over economic crisis, with authorities imposing internet blackouts
- Tensions have reached a critical level with both sides preparing for potential military confrontation
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf issued a stark warning on Sunday that both the US military and Israel would face retaliation if the United States attacks the Islamic Republic. Qalibaf made the statement as some lawmakers chanted “Death to America” and climbed onto the podium in parliament, creating a dramatic scene broadcast live on Iranian state television. His statement explicitly included Israel on Iran’s list of potential targets, marking a significant escalation in rhetoric. Qalibaf declared, “In the event of a military attack by the United States, both the occupied territory (Israel) and centers of the US military and shipping will be our legitimate targets”. The hard-line speaker, who has previously run for president, applauded police and Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, particularly its all-volunteer Basij, for having “stood firm” during the ongoing protests.
US Military Preparations and Trump’s Stance:
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump received a strong briefing regarding his plans against Iran. The US military briefed the president on potential options for attacks on Iran, including preliminary plans for large-scale airstrikes on multiple Iranian military targets. Military and diplomatic communication between the US and Israel also continued, with Israeli security officials holding meetings over the weekend to discuss the potential for US action in Iran. According to a Reuters report, Israel is on high alert due to the possibility of a US attack on Iran. Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene if Iranian authorities kill protesters, stating the US “stands ready to help” Iranian demonstrators and warning he would be “hitting them very hard where it hurts”. The administration is reportedly considering various alternatives, including targeting non-military locations within Tehran, though no consensus has been reached.
Netanyahu-Rubio Strategic Discussion:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone on Saturday, discussing potential US intervention in Iran and security preparations. This conversation reflects the strategic concerns of both American and Israeli leaders amid the escalating situation. According to reports, Israel is on “high alert” for the possibility of US intervention in Iran as authorities there confront the biggest anti-government protests in years. The call was described as a routine check-in by a US official, but Israeli sources indicated it focused heavily on the Iran situation and potential military scenarios. Netanyahu has firmly stated he will not permit Iran to advance its nuclear and missile capabilities, aligning with Trump’s hardline stance.
Iran’s Internal Crisis and Protest Crackdown:
The warnings come as Iran faces its most significant anti-government protests in years, sparked by soaring inflation and economic dissatisfaction since December 28. Authorities have responded with a severe crackdown, imposing internet blackouts to conceal alleged abuses by security forces and reduce communication with the outside world. Iran’s attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, warned that anyone participating in protests would be considered an “enemy of God,” a charge that carries the death penalty, and even those who “helped rioters” would face the same charge. The regime accuses the US and Israel of fomenting the unrest, using this as justification for its harsh response against demonstrators.
Critical Tensions and War Risk:
This entire sequence of events clearly indicates that tensions between the US and Iran are at a critical level. Iranian leaders are responding forcefully to American threats, while Israel and the US are engaged in preparations for potential attacks. The security situation in the Middle East remains volatile, and any misstep or misunderstanding could lead to a major global military confrontation. The State Department has warned, “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it,” underscoring the seriousness of the situation. With Iran vowing preemptive strikes if it detects signs of threat and the US actively considering military options, the region stands at the brink of a potentially devastating conflict that could draw in multiple nations and disrupt global security.
