Iran warned Sunday that it would retaliate against Israel and U.S. military assets if Washington launches strikes against the Islamic Republic, as Israel reportedly moved to a high state of alert amid escalating regional tensions.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said any attack on Iran would make Israel and U.S. bases and ships “legitimate targets,” adding that Tehran would not wait to respond after being struck if it detects clear signs of a threat.
The warning comes as Iran faces its largest anti-government protests since 2022. Rights groups say at least 192 people have been killed in a violent crackdown over the past two weeks, though the toll may be significantly higher due to a widespread internet blackout.
U.S. media reported that President Donald Trump has been presented with military options, including potential strikes on non-military sites in Tehran. A senior U.S. intelligence official described the situation as an “endurance game,” with protesters and authorities locked in a battle for control.
Israeli officials declined to comment publicly, though sources said Israel is on heightened alert following recent security consultations. Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly discussed the situation in a phone call over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar urged the European Union to formally designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, citing the ongoing violence against civilians.
Iranian rights groups warned that hospitals are overwhelmed, blood supplies are low, and security forces are deliberately targeting protesters. Tehran has accused Israel and the U.S. of fueling the unrest, a claim both deny.
