Iran's military pledges to defend national interests amid protests
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
Reader Comments
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.