Iran Warns of Pre-Emptive Military Action as Protests and US Tensions Escalate

Iran’s army chief has warned that Tehran could take pre-emptive military action in response to what it views as escalating threats from abroad, as mass protests driven by economic hardship continue across the country.

Major General Amir Hatami said the Islamic Republic would not tolerate «rhetoric» targeting Iran, comments widely interpreted as a response to warnings issued last week by Donald Trump, who said the United States would intervene if Iranian authorities continued killing peaceful protesters.

Speaking to military academy students in Tehran, Hatami said Iran’s armed forces were more prepared than ever and promised a «decisive response» if the country was attacked. He added that any aggressor would face serious consequences.

The remarks come as Iran grapples with more than a week of nationwide protests sparked by soaring inflation, currency collapse and rising food prices. Demonstrations have spread across major cities, including Tehran and Isfahan, with rights groups reporting at least 36 deaths in clashes with security forces.

In an effort to ease pressure, the government has introduced small cash subsidies to offset the rising cost of staples such as rice, meat and pasta. However, shopkeepers warn prices for essentials like cooking oil could triple following the end of subsidised exchange rates for imports.

Hatami, who assumed his role after a brief conflict with Israel last year, is the first regular army officer in decades to hold a post traditionally dominated by the Revolutionary Guard. Analysts say his statements underline the strain on Iran’s leadership as it faces both internal unrest and mounting international pressure.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has a contingency plan to flee the country for Russia if nationwide protests overwhelm Iran’s security forces, according to a report citing intelligence sources.