The streets of Tehran have recently been alive with protests, drawing eyes from around the world.
What started as demonstrations by local merchants over skyrocketing prices and the plummeting value of the rial has quickly become a flashpoint attracting international scrutiny.
Iran’s Military Issues Stern Warning
Amid the unrest, Iran’s military chief, General Amir Hatami, made it clear that Tehran will not tolerate external powers meddling in its affairs.
Speaking to Fars news agency, Hatami said that hostile rhetoric from abroad poses a threat to Iran and promised a strong response if provoked.
He hinted that any misstep by outside forces could trigger retaliation even more intense than the clashes with Israel last June, when a 12-day conflict erupted over military and nuclear facilities.
While Hatami commands the Iranian army, he is not the country’s top military leader, but his words carry significant weight in signaling Iran’s stance.
Global Leaders Show Support for Protesters
The demonstrations have also caught the attention of international leaders.
US President Donald Trump warned that the United States might intervene if protesters were harmed, highlighting the potential for foreign involvement.
Similarly, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed solidarity with Iranians seeking freedom and justice, framing the protests as a struggle for liberty.
Iranian Officials Push Back Against Foreign Interference
In response, Iran’s foreign ministry accused both Trump and Netanyahu of stoking violence and attempting to destabilize the nation’s unity.
Officials insist that any interference is unwelcome, framing the protests as internal matters rather than an opportunity for outside powers to exert influence.
A Historical Perspective on Protests
While recent demonstrations have been significant, they remain smaller in scale compared to past movements.
The 2022–2023 protests were larger, and the 2009 street demonstrations following disputed elections saw even more massive participation.
Nevertheless, the current wave of economic protests has already proven deadly in some cities and remains a sensitive issue for both Iran and the international community.
What Could Happen Next?
The situation remains tense, with both internal unrest and the looming threat of international involvement.
How Iran responds to foreign pressure and domestic dissent could shape regional stability in the coming months, keeping the world on alert as events unfold.
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