Iran warns US, Israel will be targets if Washington launches military attack

A senior Iranian official has issued a stark warning that US and Israeli assets would be targeted if Washington takes military action against Iran. The statement comes amid ongoing domestic unrest and heightened regional tensions, framing the confrontation as a multi-dimensional conflict.

Direct Warning from Tehran

During a parliamentary session on Sunday, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf directly addressed US President Donald Trump, declaring that "within the framework of legitimate defense, we do not limit ourselves to responding only after an action." He specified that in the event of a US attack, "both the occupied territories (Israel) and US military and shipping centers will be legitimate targets for us." The session featured chants of anti-US slogans from lawmakers.

Four-Front Confrontation

Ghalibaf characterized the current situation as a simultaneous confrontation on four distinct fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and terrorist warfare. He accused enemies of recruiting "local terrorists" to destabilize Iran, referencing ongoing anti-government protests that began in late December. The official claimed previous attempts to foment unrest during a "12-day war" in June 2025 had failed, but similar tactics were now being employed.

Official Statements on Protests

The warning follows comments from US President Trump, who stated on Saturday that Iranians were "looking at freedom" and offered Washington's support. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded on social media, accusing Israel and the US of fueling violent riots. Meanwhile, Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, called for "decisive action" against what he termed "rioters," distinguishing between lawful protests and violent activities he compared to terrorist groups like Daesh (ISIS).

Context of Domestic Unrest

Iran has experienced widespread protests since December 28, initially triggered by economic grievances including sharp currency depreciation. While official casualty figures remain unannounced, the US-based rights group HRANA estimates at least 116 deaths and over 2,600 detentions. A Tehran doctor anonymously told Time magazine that six hospitals in the capital recorded "at least 217 protester deaths, most by live ammunition," highlighting the severe domestic tensions underlying the international warnings.