Tehran

Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf on Saturday warned that US military and commercial facilities would be considered “legitimate targets” if Washington intervenes militarily amid escalating unrest in the country.

“If the US takes military action towards Iran or the occupied territories, US military and shipping centres will be considered legitimate targets,” Qalibaf said, adding that Tehran would not wait to respond only after an attack takes place.

The warning came after US President Donald Trump reiterated threats of military action if Iranian authorities used force to suppress nationwide protests triggered by public anger against the government. Speaking at the White House during a meeting with oil and gas executives, Trump said the situation in Iran was being monitored “very closely”.

“I made the statement very strongly that if they start killing people as they have in the past, we will get involved and hit them very hard where it hurts,” Trump said, adding that this would not involve “boots on the ground”.

Trump described the developments as “pretty incredible”, claiming Iranian authorities had “treated their people very badly”. He also warned Iranian leaders against using force, saying, “You better not start shooting because we’ll start shooting too.”

Protests have intensified across Iran since late December, with demonstrations spreading to major cities including Tehran and parts of northwestern Iran. The Institute for the Study of War said protest activity has expanded significantly since January 7, while authorities have escalated their response, including deploying Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ground forces in at least one province.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the US of orchestrating the unrest. Speaking at a public event on January 9, he alleged that protesters were acting to please the American president and described demonstrators as “vandals”.

“Our nation does not tolerate mercenaryism for foreigners,” Khamenei said, warning that foreign-backed efforts would fail. He also accused Trump of arrogance, saying despotic powers are often overthrown at the height of their pride.

Human rights groups have urged restraint amid reports of deaths and mass arrests. Iran Human Rights said at least 51 protesters, including nine children, were killed by security forces, while hundreds were injured. Iranian authorities, however, said around 200 “riot leaders” have been arrested.

Amnesty International criticised a nationwide internet shutdown, calling it an attempt to conceal human rights violations. Iran’s attorney general warned that participation in protests could be treated as “enmity against God”, an offence that carries the death penalty.

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The demonstrations are being described as the largest since the 2022–23 protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, as public anger continues to be fuelled by economic hardship and political repression.