Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed potential U.S. military intervention in Iran amid escalating anti-regime protests across the country.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in a phone conversation on Saturday regarding the possibility of U.S. military intervention in Iran. This discussion comes as Israel remains on high alert, preparing for various scenarios amid ongoing unrest in Iran, according to multiple Israeli sources cited by Reuters.
The backdrop to this dialogue is the escalating anti-regime protests in Iran, which have now entered their second week. Demonstrators have been vocally opposing the Iranian government, prompting a severe response from authorities. In a move to suppress dissent, the Iranian regime implemented an internet “kill switch,” significantly reducing internet access across the country. This measure appears aimed at concealing alleged abuses by security forces amid the rising tide of protests.
On Sunday, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, issued a stark warning, declaring that the U.S. military and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” should America choose to strike the Islamic Republic. This statement was made as lawmakers in the Iranian parliament expressed their sentiments by chanting, “Death to America!” according to reports from The Associated Press.
In support of the protesters, former President Donald Trump took to social media platform Truth Social on Saturday, stating, “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” His comments reflect a broader concern regarding the situation in Iran, where unrest has been growing.
During a news conference on Friday, Trump remarked on the increasing pressure facing the Iranian regime, noting, “Iran’s in big trouble.” He observed that protesters were gaining control of cities that were previously thought to be secure for the government. “We’re watching the situation very carefully,” he added.
Trump also indicated that the U.S. would respond decisively if the Iranian government resorted to mass violence against its citizens. “We’ll be hitting them very hard where it hurts. And that doesn’t mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts,” he stated.
As tensions rise in the region, the international community is closely monitoring the developments in Iran and the potential implications of U.S. involvement. Fox News Digital has reached out to both the State Department and the White House for further comments on the situation.
This ongoing situation highlights the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations and the potential for military intervention in response to internal unrest. As protests continue to unfold, the global response will be critical in shaping the future of Iran and its government.
According to The Associated Press, the situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days.