Iran says US, Israeli bases in Mideast could be targets if attacked

CAIRO -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view US and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East region as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran.

Addressing the parliament, Qalibaf said that "in the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories (Israel) as well as all US bases and ships will be our legitimate targets," according to a report by Alarabiya News.

The remarks came as US President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran amid the latter's nationwide unrest.

The New York Times reported on Saturday, citing anonymous US officials familiar with the matter, that Trump had been briefed in recent days on new options for military strikes against Iran.

Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.

Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported recently between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.

Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later in the day.