Iran Authorities Warn of Protests Amid Tensions with Israel

Iranian Authorities Vow Forceful Response to Protests

Tehran, Iran – Iranian authorities have warned that any internal protests will be met with force, following recent statements from the US and Israel calling for the overthrow of the country’s 47-year-old theocratic establishment. The comments were made by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to Ahmad-Reza Radan, chief of police, Iranian authorities are prepared to take action against individuals who participate in protests deemed to be at the behest of foreign powers. “If any Iranians take to the streets ‘at the will of the enemy’, then we will not see them as a protester or something else; we will see them as the enemy and do with them what we do with the enemy,” Radan stated.

The warning comes two months after thousands were killed during nationwide protests, which Iranian authorities attributed to “terrorists” backed by the US and Israel. The United Nations and international human rights organizations condemned the crackdown on peaceful protesters and the 20-day internet shutdown.

Police forces have been patrolling the streets of Tehran and cities across the country, accompanied by paramilitary Basij forces. The Basij has established heavily armed checkpoints at various locations, including roads leading to police headquarters and military bases.

Recent footage broadcast by Iranian state media showed armoured vehicles and masked security forces participating in street rallies, calling for revenge against the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Authorities have also called on supporters to gather in mosques, where Basij forces have been seen shouting slogans against the US and Israel while wielding assault rifles.

The Israeli military has threatened top Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Khamenei, and has signalled a potential shift towards targeting lower-level Basij forces. This week, an administrative building belonging to Bank Sepah was targeted with a missile attack in Tehran, resulting in reported casualties.

Source: Al Jazeera