Netanyahu and Rubio Discuss U.S. Military Options as Iran Faces Widespread Protests
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation Saturday to discuss the possibility of American military intervention in Iran, as nationwide anti-regime protests in the Islamic Republic entered their third week. The dialogue comes amid heightened tensions, with Israel reportedly on “high alert” and preparing for potential U.S. involvement, according to multiple Israeli sources cited by Reuters.
The protests, which have surged across Iran, have prompted the Iranian government to impose a near-total internet blackout, an effort to stifle information flow and conceal alleged abuses by security forces. Cybersecurity experts reported that the regime activated an internet “kill switch,” reducing connectivity to a fraction of normal levels as demonstrations intensified.
Secretary Rubio’s engagement with Netanyahu underscores the growing concern in Washington and Tel Aviv over Iran’s internal instability and the regime’s response. Rubio, who has been vocal about Iran’s threats and human rights abuses, emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to address the crisis.
Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, issued a stark warning on Sunday, declaring that both the U.S. military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if America launched strikes against the Islamic Republic. The statement came amid a charged atmosphere in the Iranian parliament, where lawmakers chanted “Death to America!” as they rallied against perceived foreign interference.
President Donald Trump publicly expressed support for the Iranian protesters on Saturday, writing on Truth Social that “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” At a news conference on Friday, Trump described Iran as being under “big trouble,” noting that demonstrators had taken control of cities previously thought secure by the regime. He warned that the U.S. would respond forcefully if Tehran resorted to mass violence, stating, “We’ll be hitting them very hard where it hurts. And that doesn’t mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts.”
The unfolding situation has drawn attention from multiple U.S. government agencies. The Department of State has been monitoring the protests closely, while the Department of Defense is reportedly assessing military options in coordination with allied nations. The Central Intelligence Agency continues to track developments on the ground, including the regime’s attempts to suppress dissent through internet blackouts and security force crackdowns.
Israel’s preparedness reflects longstanding concerns over Iran’s regional ambitions and nuclear program, which have frequently brought the two countries into conflict. The current unrest inside Iran, combined with the regime’s aggressive rhetoric, has heightened fears of a broader regional escalation. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has also issued assessments warning of potential instability and the risks posed by Iranian hardliners.
As protests continue to challenge the authority of Iran’s leadership, international observers remain watchful of any shifts in U.S. policy or military posture. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic and security officials balancing support for democratic movements against the risks of direct confrontation.
Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department and White House for comment but did not receive immediate responses. The coming days will be critical in determining the trajectory of both the protests and the international response to Iran’s volatile political landscape.
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