Iran's Ghalibaf threatens US, Israeli assets in ME as 'legitimate targets' after strikes in Beirut

Iran’s top negotiator and Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that US military bases and Israeli interests in the Middle East could become legitimate targets, accusing the United States of imposing a naval blockade on Iran and encouraging Israel to intensify attacks in Lebanon.

In a post on X, he said the US and Israel had shown they were not committed to a ceasefire or dialogue and only responded to displays of power.

His remarks came after Israel carried out strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, a stronghold of Hezbollah. The attacks marked Israel’s first strike near Beirut since the US announced a truce proposal for Lebanon last week.

Iran has repeatedly stated that any peace agreement with the United States depends on maintaining a ceasefire in Lebanon. Following the latest Israeli strikes, influential Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei warned of a “decisive and painful response,” posting on X and urging observers to “look at the sky of the occupied territories tonight.”

While Tehran had not issued an official response at the time, the comments raised concerns about further escalation and the future of efforts to end the broader regional conflict.