Iran’s Military Chief Warns of Strong Response to External Threats

Iran’s military chief issued a stern warning on December 27, 2023, stating that the country will not tolerate threats from outside forces, particularly in light of recent support for anti-government protests from the United States and Israel. General Amir Hatami, the commander of the Iranian army, emphasized that the Islamic Republic views the escalating hostile rhetoric as a significant threat and is prepared to respond decisively.

The remarks come after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested military intervention in Iran should demonstrators be harmed. Trump indicated, “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.” Concurrently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed solidarity with the Iranian protesters, stating, “We stand in solidarity with the struggle of the Iranian people and with their aspirations for freedom, liberty and justice.”

On December 28, merchants in Tehran initiated protests against escalating prices and the decline of the rial, which have since sparked similar demonstrations across various cities, some of which have turned deadly. Although these protests have not yet reached the scale of the significant movements seen from 2022 to 2023, they have drawn international attention and concern.

Warnings of a Robust Response

General Hatami cautioned that any misstep by foreign adversaries would elicit a more vigorous response from Iran than seen during the brief conflict in June 2023, which included an unprecedented Israeli attack on Iranian military and nuclear sites. The United States participated in those strikes, targeting three major Iranian nuclear facilities.

In the face of growing international scrutiny and tensions, the Iranian foreign ministry accused both Trump and Netanyahu of inciting violence and undermining national unity. Hatami’s statements reflect a broader sentiment within Iran’s leadership regarding the threats posed by external powers, particularly in the context of domestic unrest.

The ongoing protests, ignited by economic grievances, have not yet reached the intensity of the mass demonstrations that followed the disputed elections in 2009. Nonetheless, the current situation remains volatile, with the potential for escalation as both domestic and foreign influences converge.

As the situation develops, both Iranian leaders and international observers are closely monitoring the protests and the responses from external powers, highlighting the intricate dynamics of regional politics and the implications for stability in Iran.