Iran’s military chief warned on Wednesday that the country will not tolerate threats from outside powers. According to the Fars news agency, General Amir Hatami thundered
The Islamic Republic of Iran considers the escalation of hostile rhetoric against the Iranian nation a threat and will not tolerate its continuation without responding.
Hatami, commander of Iran’s army, added that if any external actors make a misstep, Tehran’s response could be stronger than it was during last June’s 12-day conflict with Israel.
The warnings come as economic protests continue across Iran. Demonstrations began on December 28th in Tehran over soaring prices and the collapse of the rial, quickly spreading to other cities. Though smaller in scale than the 2022–2023 uprisings or the mass protests following the 2009 elections, these demonstrations—while often ignored by legacy media—have drawn attention abroad.
U.S. president Donald Trump has said the United States is monitoring the situation closely, telling reporters:
If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they’re going to get hit very hard by the United States.
Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the protests, telling his cabinet that Israel stands in solidarity with the Iranian people and their aspirations for freedom and justice.
Iran’s foreign ministry responded sharply, accusing both Trump and Netanyahu of inciting violence and attempting to undermine national unity.
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