Amidst a backdrop of escalating nationwide protests, a senior Iranian official has issued a stark warning to the United States, threatening to target American military and commercial installations if Washington chooses to intervene militarily.
Iran's Stark Warning to Washington
According to reports from ANI, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the Speaker of Iran's Parliament, declared that Tehran would consider US military and shipping centres as "legitimate targets" for retaliation. This direct threat marks a significant escalation in rhetoric between the two long-standing adversaries.
"If the US takes military action towards Iran or the occupied territories, the US military and shipping centres will be considered legitimate targets," Qalibaf was quoted as saying. He further emphasised a proactive stance, adding, "We do not limit ourselves to only reacting after an action has been taken."
Trump's Threat and the Protest Context
Qalibaf's warning did not emerge in a vacuum. It came as a direct response to recent statements from the United States. US President Donald Trump had earlier reaffirmed his threat to launch attacks against Iran if the country's authorities used force to suppress the ongoing protests.
These protests have swept across Iran, representing a major challenge to the nation's theocratic government. The public demonstrations have triggered a cycle of threats and counter-threats, bringing the possibility of external military intervention and a wider regional conflict into sharp focus.
Implications of the Escalating Standoff
The exchange of threats between Tehran and Washington raises the stakes in an already volatile region. By explicitly naming US bases and commercial shipping interests as potential targets, Iran is signalling its readiness for a broader confrontation.
This development poses serious questions about the future of stability in the Middle East. The situation remains fluid, with the international community closely watching how both nations will navigate this dangerous phase of heightened tensions and whether the warnings will translate into action.
