Kathmandu. Iran has issued a stern warning after US President Donald Trump hinted at military intervention in the name of protests.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf told parliament on Sunday that both the US military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if the US attacked the Islamic Republic.

With this remark, Iran has openly included Israel for the first time in the list of possible retaliatory actions. During the meeting, some lawmakers rushed to the podium and chanted “America Murdabad1”, which Kalibaof offered as a supportive warning.

His comments came just days after US President Donald Trump threatened to intervene if peaceful protesters were cracked down. According to US media, Trump has been briefed on possible military options against Iran, but no final decision has been made.

Meanwhile, Iran’s leadership has warned the country’s security forces to be prepared to take strong measures, claiming that the unrest in the country was instigated by external forces. Tensions between Iran and the United States could lead to further instability in the Middle East.