Death to America: Iran vows to target US troops, Israel if attacked over protests

Iran has warned it will target US troops and Israel if America strikes the country amid the ongoing wave of anti-government protests, escalating tensions as demonstrations against Iran’s clerical leadership enter their third week. Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said US military assets and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” in the event of an American attack, a threat delivered as lawmakers chanted “Death to America” during a live parliamentary session.

Qalibaf praised Iran’s security forces for having “stood firm” during the unrest and issued a stern warning to protesters.

"The people of Iran should know that we will deal with them in the most severe way and punish those who are arrested,” he said.

Referring to Israel as “the occupied territory,” he added, “In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centres, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets.”

He also signalled the possibility of pre-emptive action, saying Iran would not limit itself to responding after an attack.

US, ISRAEL ACCUSED OF INCITING RIOTS

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the US and Israel of fuelling the unrest by directing “rioters and terrorists” to destabilise Iran.

Speaking on Sunday, he said Iran’s enemies want to “sow chaos and disorder” in the country and urged citizens to distance themselves from violent elements.

At the same time, Pezeshkian sought to strike a conciliatory tone toward peaceful dissent.

“People have concerns, we should sit with them and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns,” he said, adding, “But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society.”

Other senior Iranian officials have echoed the hard line. Ali Larijani, a senior security official, accused some demonstrators of using tactics similar to those of Islamic State militants, alleging killings and arson attacks.

Iran’s Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad warned that arrested protesters could face charges as “enemies of God,” an offense that carries the death penalty.

Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei has called for “no leniency” and urged authorities to identify protest organizers “not visible on the streets.”

EXILED CROWN PRINCE SEEKS PROMINENCE

Amid the unrest, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, has sought to position himself as a national leader.

Living in the US since before the 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled his father, Pahlavi has issued repeated messages backing protesters and calling for an end to repression.

“We will completely bring the Islamic Republic and its worn-out, fragile apparatus of repression to its knees,” he said in a recent video message.

While some demonstrators have chanted slogans supportive of the monarchy, public support for Pahlavi inside Iran remains difficult to gauge, with many protesters focused instead on broader political change and economic relief.

Pahlavi says he is ready to help lead a transition to a secular, democratic Iran, leaving the country’s future leadership to a popular vote.

CHAOTIC SCENES IN PARTS OF IRAN

The protests erupted about 14 days ago after a sharp collapse in the Iranian Rial and rising living costs, but quickly evolved into direct challenges to Iran’s theocratic system.

Demonstrations have been reported in Tehran, Mashhad, Kerman, and other cities. With internet access severely restricted and phone lines cut, information has been difficult to verify, but the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says at least 116 people have been killed and more than 2,600 detained.

In Tehran, videos appearing to bypass the blackout show protesters gathering in neighborhoods, waving lit mobile phones, banging metal objects, and honking car horns.

In Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city and home to the Imam Reza shrine, footage has shown clashes with security forces and burning debris blocking roads.

Rights groups describe the protests as scattered and fluid, shaped by heavy security deployments, surveillance drones, and increased patrols.

IRAN WANTS FREEDOM, SAYS TRUMP

The US has said its forces in the region are fully prepared. President Donald Trump said he is “watching events very closely” and warned of a strong response if protesters are targeted.

On social media, he wrote: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that Washington “supports the brave people of Iran.”

Israel has also said it is monitoring developments closely. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has discussed the situation with Rubio, as tensions rise at the intersection of Iran’s domestic unrest and growing international pressure.

- Ends

With agency inputs

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