Iran’s parliament speaker issued a sharp warning on Friday after comments from US President Donald Trump. He said that US military bases and forces in the region would be treated as “legitimate targets” if Washington takes hostile action against Iran.

This warning followed Trump’s threat to intervene if Iranian authorities crack down violently on protesters. His remarks came as nationwide protests continued across Iran.

Supreme Leader Adviser Warns of Regional Chaos

Just hours earlier, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had also reacted strongly. He warned that any US involvement in Iran’s internal unrest would spread chaos throughout the region.

Iranian leaders see the protests as a domestic issue. They have rejected any foreign interference and warned that outside pressure would worsen instability.

Trump Signals Possible US Intervention

US President Trump earlier released a forceful statement. He said the United States would step in if Iranian security forces used lethal force against peaceful demonstrators.

His comments added to already high tensions between Washington and Tehran, especially as protests continued to grow inside Iran.

Deaths Reported as Protests Spread

The protests have turned deadly. At least seven people have been killed during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since Sunday.

Demonstrations have spread across several cities. Protesters have expressed anger over economic hardship and rising living costs.

Economic Crisis Fuels Public Anger

The unrest highlights deep frustration over Iran’s worsening economy. The protests first began in Tehran. Shopkeepers and traders gathered to criticise the government’s handling of the crisis.

They pointed to a sharp fall in the national currency, slow economic growth, and soaring prices. Official data shows inflation reached 42.5 per cent in December, putting heavy pressure on households.

Government Signals Willingness to Listen

Iran’s civilian government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has tried to show openness toward public concerns. He has spoken about the need to address people’s daily struggles.

“From an Islamic perspective... if we do not resolve the issue of people’s livelihoods, we will end up in Hell,” he said at an event aired on state television.

Limits to Economic Action

Despite his remarks, Pezeshkian admitted that his options are limited. The Iranian rial has sharply weakened, with one US dollar now worth around 1.4 million rials.

This currency collapse has made it harder for the government to control prices or ease public anger.

Warning Against Violence and Disorder

Iran’s prosecutor general said on Wednesday that peaceful economic protests are legitimate. However, he issued a clear warning. He said any attempt to create insecurity would face a “decisive response”, signalling that authorities would not tolerate violence or unrest.