Iran: US Troops Labeled 'Legitimate Targets' as Trump Threatens Protest Intervention

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Escalating Tensions Between the U.S. and Iran

A senior Iranian official has strongly criticized President Donald Trump's recent statement that the United States would support protesters in Iran if they faced violence, warning that the Islamic Republic could retaliate against American military bases and troops in the region.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Iran’s parliament, responded to Trump's message on Truth Social, where the president stated that his administration is "locked and loaded and ready to go" to assist "peaceful protesters" if Iran were to use force against them.

Ghalibaf emphasized that the U.S. president should understand that any American presence in the region would become a legitimate target for Iran in response to what he described as potential "adventurism." He also noted that Iranians are united and determined to confront any aggressor.

Protests and Violence in Iran

The ongoing protests in Iran have led to at least seven deaths over the past week. These demonstrations, initially sparked by economic instability due to the collapse of the rial currency, have evolved into broader expressions of dissent with protesters chanting anti-government slogans.

In 2019, Trump imposed sanctions on Iranian officials in response to the regime's violent crackdown on protesters. This was part of a broader strategy known as the "maximum pressure campaign," aimed at limiting Iran's ability to fund its nuclear programs.

Recent Hostilities and Military Actions

The current tension between the U.S. and Iran represents a renewed escalation in their long-standing conflict. This follows a series of military actions, including a U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites in June and Israeli strikes on Iran. In response, Iran attacked Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts American troops. While no injuries were reported, the attack caused some damage.

Trump has claimed that the U.S. strikes significantly weakened Iran's nuclear capabilities. However, he recently warned that Iran may be rebuilding its nuclear program and cautioned that the U.S. cannot allow this to happen, as it could threaten peace in the Middle East.

"Iran may be behaving badly. It hasn’t been confirmed. But if it’s confirmed, look, they know the consequences," Trump said. "Consequences will be very powerful, maybe more powerful than the last time."

Openness to Talks and Regional Concerns

Despite the heightened rhetoric, Trump has expressed openness to new talks with Iran. This came during discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who visited Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. According to Axios, Netanyahu reportedly raised the possibility of additional strikes on Iran during these meetings.

Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, accused both Trump and Israel of using the protests as a pretext for launching further attacks on Iran. In a statement on X, he wrote:

"With statements from Israeli officials and [Trump], what was happening behind the scenes has become clear. We distinguish between the position of the protesting merchants and the actions of the sabotage elements, and Trump must realize that U.S. intervention in this internal matter will lead to destabilizing the entire region and destroying American interests."

Larijani added, "The American people must know that Trump is the one who started this adventure, and they should pay attention to the safety of their soldiers."

Conclusion

The escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran highlight the fragile state of relations in the Middle East. As both sides continue to exchange threats and accusations, the risk of further conflict remains a significant concern. The situation underscores the complex interplay of domestic unrest, international diplomacy, and military posturing that defines the region's geopolitical landscape.