Irans Leaders Issue Warning to Protesters and Foreign Interfering Parties

Iran’s top judge has warned protesters who are taking to the streets during a period of economic crisis in the country that there will be “no leniency for those who help the enemy against the Islamic Republic.” Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei made these comments on Wednesday, following announcements by Israel and US President Donald Trump.

Ejei stated that there is no excuse for those participating in riots and unrest, citing the recent statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Trump. The Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has also promised not to “yield to the enemy” following Trump’s comments.

Meanwhile, Iran’s army chief, Major-General Amir Hatami, has threatened preemptive military action in response to what he described as “rhetoric” targeting the country. Speaking to military academy students, Hatami stated that Iran would take decisive action against any aggressor and that its armed forces are now more ready than before a recent war with Israel.

The nationwide demonstrations, which have seen dozens of people killed so far, began at the end of last month when shopkeepers in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar shut down their businesses due to economic woes. The Iranian government has not announced casualty figures, but human rights activists report at least 36 deaths and over 2,000 arrests.

In an effort to calm the situation, Iran’s government has begun paying a monthly subsidy of $7 for essential items such as rice, meat, and pasta. However, this measure has been deemed insufficient by many. The Soufan Center think tank stated that the protests reflect not only worsening economic conditions but also longstanding anger at government repression and regime policies that have led to Iran’s global isolation.

Source: Al Jazeera