Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned Sunday that Tehran would consider U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as “legitimate targets” if Washington takes military action against Iran.
Addressing the parliament, Qalibaf said, “In the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories (Israel) as well as all U.S. bases and ships will be our legitimate targets,” according foreign media.
The remarks come amid reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is “seriously considering authorizing a strike” against Iran, following a period of nationwide unrest in the country.
The New York Times reported Saturday that Trump had been briefed in recent days on new options for military action, citing anonymous U.S. officials.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardships. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and expressed willingness to address economic grievances while warning against violence and vandalism.
Deadly clashes between police and what the government described as “rioters” have also been reported, although no official death toll has been released.
On Sunday, Iran’s media reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country’s economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later in the day.Iran warns U.S., Israeli bases could become “legitimate targets”
ISLAMABAD, January 11 (Internews): Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned Sunday that Tehran would consider U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as “legitimate targets” if Washington takes military action against Iran.
Addressing the parliament, Qalibaf said, “In the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories (Israel) as well as all U.S. bases and ships will be our legitimate targets,” according foreign media.
The remarks come amid reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is “seriously considering authorizing a strike” against Iran, following a period of nationwide unrest in the country.
The New York Times reported Saturday that Trump had been briefed in recent days on new options for military action, citing anonymous U.S. officials.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardships. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and expressed willingness to address economic grievances while warning against violence and vandalism.
Deadly clashes between police and what the government described as “rioters” have also been reported, although no official death toll has been released.
On Sunday, Iran’s media reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country’s economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later in the day.
