Iran’s Military Chief Issues Warning Amid Protests
TEHRAN: Iran’s military commander voiced strong concerns on Wednesday, stating that the country will not passively accept threats from foreign powers, particularly following recent support for protests from the United States and Israel.
General Amir Hatami, who leads the Iranian army, declared that the increasing hostile language aimed at Iran is viewed as a significant threat, and the country would respond to such provocations. He emphasized that any misstep by opposing forces would result in a more vigorous response than during the last summer’s conflict with Israel.
In recent developments, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that he might intervene if demonstrators were harmed, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the protesters.
Protests began in Tehran on December 28, fueled by rising prices and the plummeting value of the rial. This sparked similar demonstrations in other cities, some turning violent.
While these current protests are not as widespread as the mass movements seen in 2022-2023 or the significant protests that followed disputed elections in 2009, they have still drawn notable international attention, particularly from those opposed to the Iranian government.
Trump stated, “We’re watching it very closely. If they start killing people like they have in the past, they’re going to face serious consequences from the United States.” Meanwhile, Netanyahu assured his cabinet, “We stand in solidarity with the struggle of the Iranian people and with their aspirations for freedom, liberty, and justice.”
In response, the Iranian foreign ministry accused both leaders of inciting violence and trying to disrupt Iran’s unity.
This recent tension follows a significant conflict last June, which involved an unprecedented attack by Israel on Iranian military and nuclear sites, with the U.S. participating in strikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities.
