Tehran | Iran’s senior military leadership has issued a sharp warning of possible pre-emptive action as tensions escalate between Tehran and Washington, against the backdrop of growing domestic unrest and intensifying international scrutiny.
Iranian army chief Major General Amir Hatami responded strongly to what Tehran views as increasingly hostile rhetoric from external powers, including recent remarks by United States President Donald Trump suggesting that the US was “locked and loaded” to intervene if Iranian security forces moved forcefully against civilian demonstrators.
According to Iranian media reports citing international outlets, Hatami made the remarks while addressing students at a military academy, describing such statements as a direct threat to Iran’s national security. He warned that continued escalation in language against Iran would not go unanswered.
“The intensification of such rhetoric against the Iranian nation will not be left without a response,” Hatami said. Emphasising the preparedness of Iran’s armed forces, he added that the military was in a stronger position than in previous confrontations. “If the enemy commits an error, it will face a decisive response, and the hand of any aggressor will be cut off,” he stated.
Hatami’s comments come at a time of heightened internal tension within Iran. Demonstrations have spread across several parts of the country, driven by rising inflation, economic pressures and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies. Despite the authorities announcing limited economic relief measures, including subsidies, protests have continued for more than a week.
Iran has also taken the issue to international forums. In a formal communication to the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the UN Security Council, Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, called for condemnation of what he described as unlawful threats issued by the US leadership.
Echoing the warning, Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Larijani cautioned that American interference in Iran’s internal affairs could destabilise the wider region. He said such actions would result in chaos across the Middle East and could seriously damage US interests.
International concern over the situation has been mounting. In an advisory cited by foreign media, Australia urged its citizens to leave Iran immediately, warning of the risk of sudden escalation linked to both domestic unrest and rising external tensions.
The latest developments appear to be linked to President Trump’s recent statements on social media, where he warned of possible US action if Iranian forces were to violently suppress what he described as peaceful protests. These remarks have further strained relations and contributed to the sharp response from Iran’s military leadership.
As diplomatic rhetoric hardens and unrest continues at home, observers warn that the situation remains volatile, with the potential for rapid escalation both within Iran and across the region.
