Iran warns U.S.: Any attack will face retaliation

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Iran warned on Sunday that it would target U.S. military and shipping assets if the U.S. launches a new attack amid ongoing protests. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf announced on state TV, “If the U.S. conducts a military strike, our legitimate targets will be the occupied territories, U.S. military bases, and shipping locations.” This threat comes as reports suggest Israel remains on high alert for potential U.S. military intervention in response to protests that have erupted since December 28, 2025. The demonstrators are protesting rising inflation, which Tehran attributes to U.S. and Israeli instigation.

U.S. President Donald Trump has cautioned Iran against using force against protesters and has indicated that the U.S. is prepared to assist if necessary. Meanwhile, in a Saturday phone call, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the possibility of U.S. involvement in Iran, though specifics remain undisclosed. Israeli officials, who participated in security talks over the weekend, have not detailed what “high alert” entails in practical terms. Notably, Israel and Iran recently fought a 12-day war in June, with the U.S. participating in airstrikes alongside Israel.