‘America and Israel will be legitimate targets’: Iran’s open warning

January 11, 2026

New Delhi: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has issued a stern warning to the US and Israel, saying that if Washington launches a military attack on Iran, both countries will become “legitimate targets.” This statement comes at a time of strong rhetoric against Iran from US President Donald Trump and intensifying protests within the country.

Threat to target military bases and ships

Ghalibaf said, as quoted by Iran International, “If the US launches a military attack on Iran, Israel and US military and shipping facilities will be our legitimate targets.”

According to the Associated Press (AP), this statement was made during a tumultuous session of the Iranian Parliament, where several lawmakers rushed the podium and chanted “Death to America.” Some videos of the commotion in parliament have also surfaced on social media, though they could not be independently verified.

“We will not limit ourselves to just retaliation”

Ghalibaf further stated that Iran will not limit itself to retaliation.

“Within the scope of legitimate self-defense, we do not limit ourselves to simply responding after an attack. We are warning Trump and his regional allies not to miscalculate,” he said.

In another statement, he said even more strongly, “In the event of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories (Israel) and all US military facilities, bases, and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets.”

Protests, deaths, and arrests continue in Iran

This warning comes as protests against the regime in Iran have entered their third week. Demonstrations are ongoing in several cities, including Tehran and Mashhad. According to the AP report, at least 116 people have died so far in these violent incidents.

Internet disruptions and downed phone lines have made it difficult to confirm the ground situation. However, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says approximately 2,600 people have been detained so far.

Trump’s stance and discussion of military options

Donald Trump publicly supported the protesters, writing on social media, “Iran is looking forward to freedom more than ever. America stands ready to help!!!”

The New York Times and Wall Street Journal have quoted US officials as saying that Trump has been briefed on options for a possible military strike against Iran, although no final decision has been made yet.

The US State Department also sternly stated, “Don’t play games with President Trump. When he says he will do something, he means it.”

Tensions rising in the region, but the final decision rests with the Supreme Leader

Although the rhetoric is intensifying, it remains unclear how far Iran will go militarily. The final decision regarding any attack rests with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is 86 years old.

This warning comes after Iran’s air defense system suffered heavy damage during a 12-day conflict with Israel in June.

Meanwhile, the US military has stated that its forces in the Middle East are “deployed at full combat capability to defend our forces, partners, allies, and US interests.”