Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently engaged in a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to deliberate on a potential U.S. military intervention in Iran, as reported by various sources.

The discussion took place on Saturday, amidst heightened alert levels in Israel, as they brace for the possibility of U.S. action in Iran. This information comes via Reuters, which gathered insights from several Israeli insiders.

This conversation coincides with the escalation of anti-regime protests that have been ongoing across Iran for two weeks.

In a bid to suppress awareness of alleged security force abuses during these protests, the Iranian regime activated an internet “kill switch” over the weekend. According to a cybersecurity professional, this move drastically curtailed internet access across the nation.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to address the media at his annual year-end press conference, scheduled for December 19, 2025, at the State Department in Washington, D.C. (Photo credit: Kevin Mohatt/Reuters)

On Sunday, Iran’s parliament speaker warned that the U.S. military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if America strikes the Islamic Republic.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf issued the threat as lawmakers rushed the dais in the Iranian parliament, shouting, “Death to America!” according to The Associated Press.

President Donald Trump offered support for the protesters on Saturday, writing on Truth Social that “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”

In this frame grab from video obtained by the AP outside Iran, a masked demonstrator holds a picture of Iran’s Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during a protest in Tehran, Iran, Friday, January. 9, 2026. (UGC via AP)

At a news conference Friday, Trump said Iran was facing mounting pressure as unrest spreads across the country.

“Iran’s in big trouble,” he said. “It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible just a few weeks ago. We’re watching the situation very carefully.”

The president said the U.S. would respond forcefully if the regime resorts to mass violence. 

“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,” he said.

Protests in Iran intensify for the 12th day. (The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) )

Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department and White House for comment.