Netanyahu and Rubio conduct call as Iran warns that intervention would make US, Israel 'legitimate targets’

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke over the phone on Saturday, as the situation in Iran continues to deteriorate, and as U.S. President Donald Trump signaled willingness to intervene. 

While neither government provided a readout of the phone call, Axios reported that the two discussed the situations in Gaza, Syria, and Iran. 

Along with President Trump’s renewed message of support to the protesters, Secretary Rubio also posted a short message on social media, saying, “The United States supports the brave people of Iran.” 

The United States supports the brave people of Iran

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 10, 2026

Military and Middle East analysts have been divided over the possibility of U.S. intervention in the next few days, with some pointing to the apparent lack of military buildup, such as aircraft carriers, in the area. However, others note that over the past week, the U.S. has increased the number of aerial refueling tanker planes, a move which preceded the “Operation Midnight Hammer” strike by the U.S. during the Israel-Iran War in June. 

On Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad ‍Baqer ‍Qalibaf gave a speech in which he warned the United States and Israel of retaliation in the event of a U.S. strike. 

“Therefore, in order for you not to suffer from a miscalculation, know that in the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territories and all US military centers, bases, and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets. With these clear confessions that you made about the intention to militarily invade Iran, we do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action within the framework of conditional defense, and will act based on any objective signs of a threat,” Qalibaf said. 

📹 قالیباف: در صورت اقدام ایالات متحده به حمله نظامی، هم سرزمین اشغالی و هم مراکز نظامی و کشتیرانی آمریکا هدف مشروع ما خواهد بود pic.twitter.com/wxnTXue81f

— خبرگزاری تسنیم 🇮🇷 (@Tasnimnews_Fa) January 11, 2026

Qalibaf also threatened those participating in the protests, as the government crackdowns have intensified following the cutting off of internet access across the entire country. 

“The people of Iran should know that we will deal with them in the most severe way and punish those who are arrested,” Qalibaf said in his speech. 

Iranian state media reported the deaths of several law enforcement and security officers during the unrest of the past couple days. 

The intense crackdowns apparently started after the government cut internet access, with activists reporting hundreds of deaths following the internet blackout on Thursday. Some activists have reported that even Starlink satellite internet receivers, manufactured by Elon Musk’s SpaceX company, have been failing due to intense jamming efforts by the Iranian regime. 

While limited numbers of photos and videos have gotten out of Iran over the past few days, videos posted to social media over the weekend showed dozens of bodies of protesters that had been shot by regime forces from several different cities. 

Residents of Tehran recorded several body bags in the Kahrizak Forensic Medicine Center, all reportedly filled with the bodies of protesters killed by IRGC security personnel as anti-government protests nationwide continue. pic.twitter.com/QIeAYiOoYM

— Truth Seeker (@mib_63) January 11, 2026

An Iranian doctor who corresponded with Time magazine said that in the capital city of Tehran alone, six hospitals had reported at least 217 protester deaths, with most due to “live ammunition.” 

The regime-affiliated Tasnim news agency reported on Saturday that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intelligence officers had arrested a foreigner on charges of spying for Israel. 

The British news outlet The Telegraph reported that the IRGC has been placed on the highest level of alert by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, citing a senior Iranian official. That official said that Khamenei has “placed his fate in the hands of the IRGC,” believing “the risk of IRGC defections is almost non-existent.” 

Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has stated publicly that several thousand members of government police and security have contacted his organization via a private, secure channel, to register their support for the protests. 

On Saturday, Pahlavi called on citizens to remain in the streets, increasing pressure on the regime. He encouraged the people, saying, “The world today stands with your national revolution and admires your courage. In particular, President Trump, as the leader of the free world, has closely observed your indescribable bravery and has declared that he is ready to help you.” 

Dr. Eyal Hulata, the former head of the Israeli National Security Council, told 103FM radio on Sunday morning that if Iran attacks Israel, the Israeli response will not be like the American response.

“Israel is always a convenient target for the Iranians,” Dr. Hulta said, “but they need to understand that if they attack us, Israel will respond. And when it does respond, it will be less restrained than the United States.” 

Israeli security officials are in a state of high alert, monitoring the situation in Iran; however, the government has not yet issued any instructions to the public regarding an increased security situation.