Iran Military Vows to Defend National Interests Amid Protests, Blames Israel

The Iranian military has issued a statement pledging to resolutely defend national interests and protect strategic infrastructure amid ongoing protests. It accused Israel and "hostile terrorist organizations" of conspiring to undermine order and incite rebellion in the country. Senior officials, including the spokesperson for Iran's Constitutional Council, attributed the protests to foreign interference turning peaceful demonstrations into riots. Separately, local authorities reported the arrest of 100 people accused of leading riots and attacking civilians and security forces in Baharestan.

Key Points: Iran Military Pledges to Defend Interests, Blames Israel for Protests

  • Military pledges to defend national interests
  • Accuses Israel and hostile groups of conspiracy
  • Calls for public unity against "enemy plots"
  • Officials blame foreign interference for unrest
2 min read

Iran's military pledges to defend national interests amid protests

Iranian military accuses Israel of inciting unrest, pledges to protect infrastructure under Supreme Leader's command amid ongoing protests.

"Foreign interference has turned peaceful livelihood protests... into riots and unrest. - Hadi Tahan Nazif"

Tehran, Jan 11

The Iranian military pledged to defend national interests, protect strategic infrastructure and public property amid ongoing protests, and urged Iranians to unite to "thwart the enemy's plots," according to state broadcaster IRIB.

In a statement, the military accused Israel and "hostile terrorist organizations" of "attempting to undermine order and peace in cities and disrupt public security through another conspiracy," and of "trying to incite another rebellion in the name of supporting the Iranian people." It called on the public to remain vigilant and unite to "defeat the enemy's plots," saying Iran is "in the middle of a war."

The statement said the army, together with other armed forces, "under the command" of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, would monitor enemy movements and resolutely defend national interests while protecting strategic infrastructure and public property, Xinhua news agency reported.

Separately, Iran's Fars News Agency reported that Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said Israel should be held responsible for the current situation in Iran.

The spokesperson for Iran's Constitutional Council attributed the protests in the country to foreign interference.

"Foreign interference has turned peaceful livelihood protests of people directed at livelihood demands into riots and unrest," Hadi Tahan Nazif told a press conference on Saturday, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

On the same day, the governor of Baharestan told Tasnim that 100 people accused of disrupting public order and leading riots had been arrested in the city. He said they used firearms and cold weapons to attack civilians and security forces.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's always easier to blame foreign interference than to look inward. The report says protests started over livelihood demands. If the government addresses those, the 'enemy plots' will have no ground to stand on. Stability comes from listening to your people, not just making statements.
V
Vikram M
The mention of Israel is telling. The geopolitical tensions in that region are a tinderbox. India has to maintain a delicate balance in its relations with all parties involved. Our national interest is peace and stability, especially with our energy and Chabahar port interests.
S
Sarah B
Reading this from Delhi. The pattern is familiar - protests over basic needs being framed as security threats. While foreign interference is a real concern globally, the solution isn't just arrests and military statements. There has to be a dialogue. Hope the common Iranian citizen finds relief soon.
R
Rohit P
"In the middle of a war" is a strong phrase. It shows how seriously the establishment views this. From an Indian strategic perspective, a unstable Iran is not good for regional trade or security. We have enough challenges on our western border. Need calm neighbors.
K
Kavya N
The report mentions 100 arrests. That's a lot of people. While maintaining public order is important, one must ensure justice is served fairly. It's a difficult situation for any government. As an Indian, I just pray for peace and that innocent lives are not caught in the middle.

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