Key Points:
- Iran’s army chief warned of preemptive military action in response to hostile rhetoric likely linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about intervening over protests in Iran.
- The threat comes amid nationwide protests triggered by economic hardship and political grievances, with dozens killed and thousands arrested.
- Iran’s government also began a new subsidy payment to households to ease rising costs for essentials.
ISLAMABAD: Iran’s army chief issued a stark warning, threatening preemptive military action in response to what Tehran termed hostile “rhetoric” targeting the Islamic Republic, comments widely interpreted as directed at former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statements about coming to the aid of protesters if they were violently suppressed, according to international media reports.
Major General Amir Hatami, speaking to military academy students in Tehran, said the “intensification of such rhetoric against the Iranian nation” was viewed as a threat and would not go unanswered. He added that Iran’s armed forces were more prepared than ever before, vowing that any aggressor would face a decisive response.
The remarks came as Iran confronts widespread protests that have turned into unrest, beginning on December 28, driven by worsening economic conditions, the collapse of the rial currency, and longstanding frustration with government policies. Human rights groups report protests in hundreds of locations across most of the country, with more than 2,000 people detained and dozens killed.
In an effort to alleviate public discontent, the government on Wednesday began depositing the equivalent of approximately $7 per month into the bank accounts of heads of households to subsidise rising prices for essentials such as rice, meat, and pasta. The rial now trades at over 1.4 million to the dollar and continues to weaken, according to WSLS.
Iran’s vice president in charge of executive affairs described the situation as a “full-fledged economic war.” On the other hand, the New York-based Soufan Centre think tank observed that the protests reflect not only economic distress but deep-seated anger over repression and regime isolation, according to The Week.
Keywords: Iran, Preemptive threat, Trump rhetoric, Protests, Army chief, Economic subsidies
