Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has issued a stern warning to the United States, saying the Iranian military would deliver a decisive and “unforgettable lesson” if Washington launches a fresh attack on the country. His remarks come at a time of heightened tensions between Tehran and the Trump administration, with protests continuing across Iran and US pressure steadily increasing.
Addressing a large pro-government rally in Tehran on Monday (January 12), Ghalibaf said Iran has never allowed its enemies to succeed and will not do so in the future either. Speaking amid chants of “Death to Israel” and “Death to America” in Persian, he asserted that Iran remains prepared to defend its sovereignty against any external aggression. According to him, the Iranian nation has repeatedly demonstrated resilience in the face of threats and will respond forcefully if provoked again.
Ghalibaf described the government’s response to ongoing protests as a “war against terrorists” and claimed that the Islamic Republic is currently fighting a “four-front war.” He listed these fronts as an economic war, a psychological war, a battle against terrorism, and a direct military confrontation involving the United States and Israel. The speaker argued that foreign powers are attempting to destabilise Iran by exploiting internal unrest and economic pressure.
Earlier, Ghalibaf had also warned that if the United States intervenes militarily, Iran would view American military and commercial installations in the region as “legitimate targets” for retaliation. His comments signal a hardening of Tehran’s stance amid growing speculation about possible US involvement in the crisis.
The strong remarks from Iran’s leadership come as nationwide protests have entered their third week. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised Iranian authorities for their handling of demonstrations, warning against the use of excessive force. He has also said that the United States would step in if protesters were killed, adding that any intervention would strike Iran “where it hurts.”
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, nearly 490 people have reportedly been killed during crackdowns on protests so far. Among those killed, 48 were said to be members of Iran’s security forces. The agency has warned that the death toll could rise further in the coming days as unrest continues.
Meanwhile, President Trump claimed that Iran’s leadership, under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei, has reached out to him to explore negotiations amid the threat of US military action. Trump said that plans for a meeting are underway but maintained a tough stance, warning that the United States could still take action even before talks are held.
On the streets of Tehran, protesters have continued to call for the end of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s rule, with anti-regime slogans echoing across several areas. Adding to the political uncertainty, Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, has urged demonstrators to persist and hinted at a possible return, further intensifying the already volatile situation.