Iran warns Israel, US military and shipping centers would be ‘legitimate targets’ if Washington attacks

By Nazenin Alp and Rania Abushamala

ISTANBUL (AA) - Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned Sunday that Israel and US military and shipping centers would be considered “legitimate targets” if Washington launches a military attack against Tehran.

Speaking during a parliamentary session, Ghalibaf addressed US President Donald Trump, saying: “Within the framework of legitimate defense, we do not limit ourselves to responding only after an action. In the event of a US military attack, both the occupied territories (Israel) and US military and shipping centers will be legitimate targets for us.”

He said Iran is currently engaged in confrontation with Israel and the US on four fronts — economic, cognitive, military, and terrorist warfare — adding that these fronts are “unfolding simultaneously.”

Trump said on Saturday that Iranians were “looking at freedom,” as protests that started on Dec. 28 continued to spread across the country, adding that Washington was ready to offer support.​​​​​​​