Iran Threatens to Target American Bases if US Launches Intervention

January 3, 2026

TL;DR

Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf warned of targeting US forces in the Middle East if the US intervenes in Iran's handling of ongoing mass protests.
US President Donald Trump had stated that America was "locked and loaded" and could intervene at any moment.
Large-scale demonstrations began in late December after merchants in Tehran went on strike due to the national currency hitting a record low, with protests spreading to other cities and turning political and violent.
Ghalibaf's statement on X commented on Trump's post on Truth Social, declaring all American centers and forces in the region legitimate targets.
The current protests are the most intense since 2022, following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.
Ghalibaf alleged that Israeli agents sought to transform protests into violent urban battles, but these attempts were thwarted.
Tehran stated it can distinguish between protesters and "foreign mercenaries" and will not mistreat its own people.
Israel has endorsed the unrest, with its Mossad national intelligence agency admitting operations in Iran.
Tehran warned that any intervention into Iran's security would result in a "regret-inducing response."

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