PARIS: Iran would strike US military and shipping targets in the event of a new attack by the United States during an ongoing wave of protests, the parliament speaker said on Sunday.

"In the event of a military attack by the United States, both the occupied territory and centers of the US military and shipping will be our legitimate targets," Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told parliament in comments broadcast by state TV, apparently also referring to Israel, which the Islamic Republic does not recognize and considers occupied Palestinian territory.

'Significant' arrests

Meanwhile, Iran has made significant arrests of key figures in the protest movement that has swept the Islamic Republic over the last two weeks, the national police chief said Sunday.

"Last night (Saturday evening), significant arrests were made of the main elements in the riots, who, God willing, will be punished after going through legal procedures," Ahmad-Reza Radan told state TV, without giving details on the number or identities of those arrested.

Iran's president to address nation

Meanwhile, IRIB, Iran's state TV, said President Masoud Pezeshkian will address economic plans and "people's demands" in an interview on Sunday. It comes after two weeks of protests sparked by anger over the rising cost of living.

"In a conversation with the national media, the president laid out the status of the government's major economic plan to reform the subsidy system, and also discussed recent events and the government's approach to responding to the people's demands," IRIB state TV said, noting the interview would be broadcast later Sunday.

Articles tagged with "Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf"

Iran to target US military, shipping if attacked: Parliament speaker