TEHRAN: The Iranian military has stated that recent remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding ongoing protests in the country are considered “threats.” According to the ISNA news agency, Major General Amir Hatami, the commander of the Iranian army, said on Wednesday, that Tehran “will not leave such threats unanswered.” He added that the intensification of rhetoric from opposing parties against the Iranian nation is seen as threatening by Iranian officials. This stance follows a statement issued by Iran’s Defense Council on Tuesday, discussing the possibility of proactive measures under what it termed “legitimate defense.” In the statement, the council condemned the escalated threat rhetoric and interfering remarks, emphasizing that Iran’s security, independence, and territorial integrity are “non-negotiable red lines.” Any attack on national interests, interference in internal affairs, or actions against the stability of the country will be met with a proportional, targeted, and decisive response. This comes in the context of Donald Trump’s recent comments suggesting that the United States might intervene militarily if protesters are killed in Iran. Concurrently, Netanyahu has also expressed his support for the Iranian protesters. Iran’s Supreme Defense Council was formed after a 12-day war between Iran and Israel and operates under the supervision of the country’s Supreme National Security Council.
