In the event of an American strike against Iran, Tehran will consider Israel, US military bases, and shipping as military targets, said the Iranian Parliament Speaker after Trump's statements in support of Iranian protests.
Protests in Tehran
Iran's leadership has threatened Israel and the United States with retaliatory military strikes in the event of an American attack as support for the large-scale protest movement in Iran. "In the case of a military attack by the US, our legitimate targets will include both the occupied territory and American military centers and shipping," said Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Sunday, January 11, during an extraordinary session of this body.
By "occupied territory," Ghalibaf meant Israel, whose right to exist is not recognized by the Iranian leadership. "We will act based on any objective signs of threat," the Iranian politician warned.
In light of Iran's statements, Israel has entered a state of heightened readiness, reports The Times of Israel.
Trump supports Iranian demonstrators
The day before, US President Donald Trump assured support for participants in the large-scale protests in Iran, which have been ongoing for two weeks. "Iran sees (its. - Ed.) FREEDOM, perhaps - like never before. The US is ready to help!!!" the American leader wrote on the social network Truth Social. He did not provide any details about possible actions Washington might take in this regard.
Reuters reported, citing a US intelligence official, that it is a "struggle in which endurance" is crucial. The opposition is trying to increase pressure until key government officials switch sides or leave the country. The authorities are trying to instill fear while not giving the US a reason to intervene, the agency's source noted.
Media: Washington discusses options for military strikes against Iran
Meanwhile, The New York Times, citing American officials, reported that Trump has been informed in recent days about new options for military strikes against Iran. He is seriously considering the possibility of carrying out his threat to attack the country for suppressing protests, the publication wrote. In turn, the Wall Street Journal indicated that American officials held preliminary discussions on how a strike against Iran could be carried out if necessary. Among other things, a large-scale airstrike on several military facilities in Iran was discussed, the newspaper reported.
Protests in Iran are spreading to new regions. Despite almost complete internet shutdown, demonstrations took place in 185 cities across the country, writes dpa. According to the US-based human rights network HRANA, the number of deaths resulting from the mass protests in Iran has risen to 116, with more than 2,600 people detained.
Demonstrations continue for two weeks
Demonstrations in Iran began on December 28, 2025. On that day, shop owners in Tehran closed their stores in protest against the deteriorating economic situation. Later, residents of other major cities joined the actions.
On December 30, reports emerged of the first clashes between protesters and police, and that security forces used tear gas. Soon, the protests turned political, with some participants chanting slogans that could refer to Iran's spiritual leader Ali Khamenei: "Death to the dictator." Participants in the protests are demanding a change of political regime and the rise to power of Reza Pahlavi — the son of the Shah who was overthrown in 1979.
Trump warned on January 2 that the US would intervene if Iranian security forces fired on peaceful protesters opposing the severe economic situation and high inflation. In recent days, reports of unrest have emerged. Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani stated that during the protests on the night of January 9, more than 50 banks and several government institutions were set on fire, and over 30 mosques were destroyed by fire.
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