Iran Threatens to Strike US Military, Israel

(MENAFN) Tehran's top parliamentary official issued a stark warning on Sunday, declaring that Israeli territory, American military installations, and maritime shipping hubs could face retaliatory strikes should Washington proceed with military action against the Islamic Republic.

From the legislative floor, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker, directed his message toward U.S. President Donald Trump, stating: "Within the framework of legitimate defense, we do not limit ourselves to responding only after an action. In the event of a US military attack, both the occupied territories (Israel) and US military and shipping centers will be legitimate targets for us."

Ghalibaf characterized the current standoff between Tehran and Washington as a multi-dimensional conflict spanning economic warfare, information operations, military confrontation, and counterterrorism efforts—all occurring concurrently.

Referencing ongoing civil unrest sweeping Iranian cities, the speaker claimed: "The enemies planned to recruit local terrorists during the 12-day war (of June 2025), but they failed. Now, they have recruited local terrorists. We are fighting terrorists."

Inside the legislative chamber, members of parliament voiced anti-American chants.

Pentagon Seeks Additional Preparation Time Amid Strike Deliberations
Defense officials indicated that American forces would require extended preparation periods before executing any potential military operation against Iran, even as the Trump administration weighs various response strategies, U.S. media outlets reported.

"All options are on the table for President Trump but no decision has been made," an unnamed government official informed media, emphasizing that ongoing deliberations remain dynamic and primarily focused on non-military measures at present.

A senior defense source quoted by The New York Times revealed that regional commanders would prefer additional time to strengthen American positions and enhance protective measures against potential Iranian counterattacks.

According to officials, Trump has received intelligence briefings covering various scenarios—including targeting civilian infrastructure in Tehran—though no final determination has been reached.

American authorities cautioned that military intervention could produce unforeseen outcomes, potentially rallying Iranian citizens around their government or provoking retaliatory assaults throughout the Middle East.

On Saturday, Trump commented that Iranians were "looking at freedom," referencing demonstrations that erupted December 28 and have since expanded nationwide, while indicating Washington's willingness to provide assistance.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded via the social platform X, stating: "According to the US Government, Iran is 'delusional' for assessing that Israel and the US are fueling violent riots in our country."

He continued: "There is only one problem: President Trump's own former CIA Director has openly and unashamedly highlighted what Mossad and its American enablers are really up to," accompanying his statement with a screenshot from Mike Pompeo, who previously served as CIA director and secretary of state during the Trump administration.

Araghchi concluded: "The only 'delusional' aspect of the current situation is the belief that arson does not ultimately (implicate) arsonists."

Iranian Security Chief Demands Crackdown on 'Rioters'
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, demanded strong measures against individuals he characterized as violent agitators.

Addressing a state broadcaster, he stated: "The judiciary must take decisive action against those who create insecurity, kill people, and vandalize public properties in the riots that have engulfed a number of cities in Iran in recent days."

Larijani emphasized: "It is necessary to draw a distinction between protests and riots."

He added: "The criminal activities, such as killing people and arson attacks, closely resemble the methods used by terrorist groups like Daesh (ISIS)," cautioning that such violent tactics "would only harm society, upset security, and result in consequent economic stagnation."

Mass demonstrations have disrupted Iran since December 28, initially triggered at Tehran's Grand Bazaar by the Iranian rial's precipitous decline and deteriorating economic circumstances. The unrest subsequently spread across multiple urban centers.

Official casualty figures remain unavailable, though U.S.-based advocacy organization HRANA estimates 116 deaths with over 2,600 arrests.

However, a Tehran medical professional told Time magazine under anonymity conditions that six capital hospitals documented "at least 217 protester deaths, most by live ammunition."

Last June witnessed American airstrikes targeting three critical Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—under Operation Midnight Hammer during the short-lived Iran-Israel military confrontation.

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