Iran warns US bases would become legitimate targets if Washington intervenes

Iran warned that US bases and forces across the region would become "legitimate targets" if Washington intervenes in its domestic protests, after US President Donald Trump said America was "locked and loaded" to protect protesters.

Iran has warned that US military centres and forces in the region would be "legitimate targets" should Washington intervene in widespread domestic protests. The statement came from Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, after US President Donald Trump posted that America was "locked and loaded" to act if Iranian authorities killed peaceful demonstrators. The protests began over soaring living costs and have spread to multiple cities, with clashes reported between protesters and security forces. Officials on both sides framed the other’s remarks as escalatory while unrest continued on the ground. Key facts: - Iran’s official warning said US bases and forces across the region would be legitimate targets if the United States intervenes in Iran’s protests, and was posted by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. - President Trump posted that the United States was "locked and loaded" and would act if Iran killed peaceful protesters. - Protests over economic hardship have expanded to several provinces, with authorities reporting clashes, arrests and multiple deaths since the unrest escalated. - Iranian civilian leaders signalled some willingness to engage with protesters, while security forces have been deployed to contain demonstrations. Summary: The public exchange of warnings between Iranian officials and the US President has increased regional tensions and coincides with ongoing protests driven by economic hardship. Undetermined at this time.