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Iran Army Chief Warns of Preemptive Strike Amid US Threats, Protests

Iran's top army commander, Major General Amir Hatami, has issued a stark warning of potential preemptive military action in response to escalating rhetoric from the United States. The warning comes amid widespread domestic unrest over economic hardship and follows U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of intervention if Iranian forces violently suppress protesters. Iran's UN ambassador has formally urged the United Nations to condemn what Tehran calls unlawful U.S. threats against its sovereignty. The escalating situation has prompted international concern, with Australia advising its citizens to leave Iran immediately due to the risk of sudden conflict.

Key Points: Iran Warns of Preemptive Military Action Over US Threats

  • Iran's army warns of preemptive action
  • Response to US President's "locked and loaded" threat
  • Domestic protests over economy fuel crisis
  • Iran urges UN to condemn US threats
  • Australia advises citizens to leave Iran
2 min read

Iran's top Army Commander warns of potential preemptive military action in response to escalating international pressure

Iran's top general warns of decisive response to any US aggression amid domestic protests and escalating international pressure. Read the latest.

"If the enemy commits an error, it will face a more decisive response, and we will cut off the hand of any aggressor. - Major General Amir Hatami"

Tehran, January 8

Major General Amir Hatami, Chief of the Iranian army, confronted what Tehran views as hostile rhetoric from abroad, particularly remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump that the United States is "locked and loaded" to intervene if Iranian forces violently suppress civilian protesters.

Hatami made his remarks in a speech to military academy students, signaling that Iran sees such statements as a direct threat to its national security, reported Fox News.

Hatami said the "intensification of such rhetoric against the Iranian nation ... will not be left without a response," and emphasised that Iran's armed forces now possess greater readiness than before recent conflicts. "If the enemy commits an error, it will face a more decisive response, and we will cut off the hand of any aggressor," he asserted as reported by Fox News.

The general's warning came amid widespread domestic unrest triggered by economic hardship, inflation and public anger over government policies, which has seen protests spread across much of the country. Iranian authorities have responded with limited economic measures, including new subsidies, but unrest has persisted for over a week.

Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, wrote to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the UN Security Council, urging them to condemn what he described as "unlawful threats" made by Trump against Tehran.

Separately, Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, warned that US interference "is equivalent to chaos across the entire region and the destruction of American interests".

International reactions have underscored the growing unease. Australia has urged its citizens to leave Iran immediately, citing the heightened risk of sudden escalation tied to both internal turmoil and external threats, reports Fox News.

President Trump's earlier comments on Truth Social, which warned of U.S. intervention should Iranian forces "violently kill peaceful protesters," appear to have played a significant role in triggering Hatami's pronouncement.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
The real victims here are the Iranian people, caught between their government's policies and external threats. The economic hardship must be immense. Hope for a peaceful resolution 🙏
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Arjun K
While I don't support any military action, one has to question the timing of Trump's statements. It feels like adding fuel to fire when the country is already dealing with protests. This kind of rhetoric helps no one.
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Priya S
India has vital interests in the region, especially with our Chabahar port project. Any conflict will destabilize the whole area and impact our energy security and trade. Diplomacy is the only way forward.
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Vikram M
The General's warning is standard military posturing. But the underlying issue is the economic suffering of common Iranians. Instead of sabre-rattling, the government should address the root causes of the protests.
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Michael C
Australia telling its citizens to leave is a serious sign. The risk of miscalculation is high. Hope cooler heads prevail at the UN. The Security Council needs to act to de-escalate, not just receive letters.

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