Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he is “closely monitoring events in Iran”, after the Islamic Republic warned it will strike against Israel if the US intervenes to stop protestors against the regime being killed.
The threat by Tehran on Sunday to what it calls the “occupied territories” was also made against American military bases in the region, after President Donald Trump had said his forces are “ready to help”.
There are reports of a mounting death toll inside Iran as the regime uses deadly force against demonstrators. Some claim the numbers run to far more than 400 dead, but the figures are unverified. The regime has enforced a near-total internet blackout.
On Saturday, Trump had posted on Truth Social: "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!"
Iranian speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Sunday that US forces stepping in would be "a miscalculation".
The former Revolutionary Guards commander said: "Let us be clear: in the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories as well as all US bases and ships will be our legitimate target.”
Israel is believed to be on high alert against the possibility of an attack.
Netanyahu said on Sunday at the start of his cabinet meeting: "Israel is closely monitoring the events unfolding in Iran. The protests for freedom have spread throughout the country.
“The people of Israel, and the entire world, stand in awe of the immense bravery of Iran's citizens. Israel supports their struggle for freedom and strongly condemns the mass killings of innocent civilians.
“We all hope that the Persian nation will soon be liberated from the yoke of tyranny, and when that day comes, Israel and Iran will once again be faithful partners in building a future of prosperity and peace for both nations.”
Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken on Saturday. Unconfirmed reports claimed they had discussed the possibility of an intervention by US military forces.
In June last year, Israel and Iran fought a 12-day war in which they exchanged missile fire. America came in on the side of Israel, providing support for airstrikes.
An IDF official said: “We will know how to respond forcefully if required. The IDF will do whatever is necessary to protect the citizens of the State of Israel.”
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