Iran’s army chief, General Amir Hatami, warned Wednesday that Tehran will not tolerate threats from outside powers. He said any hostile actions against Iran would trigger a robust response. The warning follows US and Israeli support for anti-government protests across Iran.
Hatami emphasized that if foreign powers “make a mistake,” Iran’s reaction would be stronger than during last June’s 12-day conflict with Israel. The army chief added that hostile rhetoric against the Iranian nation is a threat that cannot continue unchecked.
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The warnings come after US President Donald Trump threatened intervention if demonstrators are harmed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the protests, calling for solidarity with Iranians seeking freedom and justice.
The protests began in late December over rising prices and the collapsing rial. While not yet reaching the scale of the 2009 mass protests, the demonstrations have drawn global attention and criticism from Tehran. Iran’s foreign ministry accused Trump and Netanyahu of inciting unrest and undermining national unity.
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The threat echoes tensions from last year’s war with Israel, which involved attacks on Iranian military and nuclear sites. Hatami’s statement signals Tehran’s readiness to defend its sovereignty against perceived foreign interference.