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‘We are waiting’ - Iranian parliament speaker threatens to teach US 'lesson' if Washington intervenes over unrest during Tehran rally

‘We are waiting’ - Iranian parliament speaker threatens to teach US 'lesson' if Washington intervenes over unrest during Tehran rally

"Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf gave a fiery rebuke to the US and Israel, challenging them to attack the country and face the consequences, as he addressed government supporters during a rally in Tehran on Monday. Footage shows demonstrators gathered at Enqelab Square, waving Iranian flags and chanting in support of the government. Qalibaf issued a stern warning to the United States, threatening its military presence in the region. “We are waiting,” he warned. “Come and see how your facilities in the region will be destroyed. Come and see what will happen to American bases, ships, and forces.” Qalibaf also addressed U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of spreading false information. “Trump the delusional, do not believe the lies told to you,” he said. “They told you Mashhad had fallen, but the followers of Imam Reza are standing firm. We will not overlook the blood of our people, our scientists, and our commanders. The defenders of Iran will give you a lesson you will never forget.” Protester Shahi said she attended the rally to support Iran’s leadership and the country’s martyrs, warning the US and Israel that "you were slapped in the 12-day war, now you can't do anything either." “We are here to tell America and Israel to stop,” she said. “If we have problems, they are our own, and with God’s help we will overcome them.” Local media reported that the government had called on citizens on Sunday to join mass demonstrations to condemn the 'riots', express support for the authorities and their reform measures, and reject what officials described as American and Israeli 'interference' in Iran’s internal affairs. The rallies come as several Iranian cities continue to see unrest, with protests in some areas escalating into riots and vandalism targeting public property. Tehran’s police chief said on Tuesday that security forces dealt with rioters 'firmly and decisively', confirming the arrest of 'a large number' after they were separated from peaceful protesters. Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) has claimed that at least 648 protesters, including nine under the age of 18, have been killed, while Iranian authorities say more than 100 of their officers have died in the uprising, figures that could not be independently verified. On Friday, Donald Trump told Iran's authorities they "better not start shooting, because we'll start shooting too", having previously warned that he could intervene following any potential crackdown. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian announced economic plans to deal with the 'people's demands' on Sunday, but also accused the US of trying to 'sow chaos and disorder'. Iran has seen widespread demonstrations since late December, beginning in Tehran and later spreading to other cities, driven by deteriorating economic conditions and the sharp decline in the value of the Iranian rial against the US dollar. "