Tensions Rise as Iran Calls US Bases ‘Legitimate Targets’ After Trump Warning

Iran’s parliament speaker on Friday warned that US military bases and forces in the region would be considered “legitimate targets” if Washington takes aggressive action, responding to President Donald Trump’s threat of intervention amid ongoing protests in Iran.

The warning came hours after a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cautioned that any US interference in Iran’s internal unrest would plunge the region into chaos. Earlier, Trump issued a strong warning, saying the United States would intervene if Iranian authorities used lethal force against peaceful demonstrators during the nationwide protests.

At least seven people have been killed in clashes between security forces and protesters since demonstrations erupted on Sunday, according to reports. The unrest reflects growing public anger over worsening economic conditions.

The protests began in Tehran, where shopkeepers gathered to criticise the government’s handling of the economy, including a sharp fall in the national currency, weak growth and soaring prices. Official data shows inflation stood at 42.5 per cent in December.

Government response

Iran’s civilian government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has sought to project openness to addressing public grievances. Speaking at an event broadcast on state television, Pezeshkian acknowledged the severity of economic hardships.

“From an Islamic perspective, if we do not resolve the issue of people’s livelihoods, we will end up in Hell,” he said.

However, the president has admitted his options are limited as the rial continues to weaken, with one US dollar now trading at around 1.4 million rials. Iran’s prosecutor general said on Wednesday that peaceful economic protests were legitimate, but warned that any attempt to create insecurity would be met with a “decisive response”.