Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply as Iran warned the United States that any military attack would prompt retaliation against Israel and American military bases across the region. The warning comes amid Washington’s increasingly vocal support for anti-government protests spreading across the Islamic Republic.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf told lawmakers on Sunday that if the United States launches strikes against Iran, Israel and US military installations in the region would be considered “legitimate targets.” His remarks marked a significant escalation in official rhetoric at a time when Iran is facing one of the largest protest movements in years.

The statement followed renewed warnings from US President Donald Trump, who has publicly criticized Iran’s leadership and cautioned against the use of force on demonstrators. Writing on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said:
“Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
He did not clarify what form such assistance might take. A day earlier, Trump said Iran was in “big trouble” and again warned of possible military strikes.

As tensions grew, Israel placed its military on high alert over the possibility of American intervention in Iran. Three Israeli sources familiar with weekend security consultations confirmed the heightened alert status but did not explain what practical measures were involved.

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The situation also prompted a phone call on Saturday between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to an Israeli source present for the discussion, the possibility of US intervention was among the issues raised. A US official confirmed that the call took place but declined to provide further details.

Israel and Iran previously fought a 12-day war in June, during which the United States joined Israel in launching airstrikes. Current tensions remain high, particularly over Israeli concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Despite the alert status, Israel has not indicated any intention to directly intervene in Iran’s internal unrest. In an interview with The Economist published Friday, Netanyahu warned of “horrible consequences” for Iran if it were to attack Israel, while also referring to the internal situation by saying, “everything else, I think we should see what is happening inside Iran.”

The protests, now entering their second week, represent one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s theocratic leadership since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has remained defiant and has blamed the United States for the unrest.

After the largest demonstrations yet on Thursday, further protests were reported late Friday, according to images verified by AFP and videos circulating on social media. These demonstrations occurred despite an internet shutdown imposed by Iranian authorities. Internet monitoring group Netblocks said on Saturday evening that “Iran has now been offline for 48 hours.”

Amnesty International said it was reviewing “distressing reports that security forces have intensified their unlawful use of lethal force against protesters” since Thursday, warning that the escalation has led to further deaths and injuries.