The Islamic Republic has placed American military assets in the Middle East in its crosshairs after President Trump warned of intervention over Iran’s handling of nationwide protests. Iran’s parliament speaker delivered the stark warning Friday, declaring that US bases and forces would be considered legitimate targets if Washington pursues hostile actions.
Violent clashes between security personnel and demonstrators have claimed seven lives since protests erupted Sunday over Iran’s deteriorating economic situation. Trump’s statement that the United States would act if Iranian authorities employ lethal force against peaceful protesters has drawn immediate and forceful resistance from Tehran’s leadership.
An adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reinforced Iran’s position by warning that American interference in the country’s domestic unrest would ignite chaos throughout the region. The threat carries particular weight given the presence of US forces in multiple countries surrounding Iran and the potential for conflict to disrupt critical energy supplies.
Economic desperation has driven Iranians into the streets in growing numbers. The demonstrations began when Tehran shopkeepers publicly criticized the government’s response to the rial’s collapse and inflation that reached 42.5 percent in December. The national currency has weakened so dramatically that one dollar now purchases approximately 1.4 million rials, making basic goods increasingly unaffordable for ordinary citizens.
President Pezeshkian’s administration has tried to show willingness to engage with public concerns while acknowledging severe limitations. Pezeshkian invoked religious teachings to frame addressing economic welfare as a moral imperative, yet admitted his government lacks effective tools to stabilize the currency. The prosecutor general has sought to validate peaceful economic protests while warning that security threats will face decisive responses, though this distinction may prove impossible to maintain as demonstrations intensify and casualties mount.
Trump’s Iran Warning Triggers Military Threat Against US Bases
