Mazaj News (Web Desk) Iran warned on Sunday that it would target U.S. military positions and commercial shipping if Washington launches any new military action amid the continuing wave of protests in the country.
“If the United States carries out a military strike, both the occupied territories and U.S. military bases and shipping routes will be considered legitimate targets,” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said during a parliamentary session aired on state television. His warning comes as reports indicate Israel has been placed on high alert over the possibility of U.S. involvement as unrest spreads across Iran.
Protests have been ongoing since December 28, 2025, driven largely by rising inflation. Iranian authorities have accused the United States and Israel of instigating the demonstrations.
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly hinted at possible intervention in recent days and cautioned Iran’s leadership against using force on protesters. On Saturday, Trump stated that the United States was “ready to help.”
Sources familiar with Israeli security discussions over the weekend said Israel had raised its alert level, though they did not specify what measures were being taken. Israel and Iran previously fought a 12-day conflict in June, during which the U.S. joined Israel in conducting airstrikes.
According to an Israeli source, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone on Saturday and discussed the potential for U.S. intervention in Iran.
A U.S. official confirmed that the call took place but declined to provide details about the subjects covered.