Iran has sharply criticized recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, describing them as “hostile” and a direct threat to Iran’s national security, amid rising regional and domestic tensions.
Iran’s army chief, Major General Amir Hatami, told the semi-official Mehr News Agency that statements made by U.S. leaders would not go unanswered. His comments followed Trump’s warning in Washington, D.C., where he said Iran would be “hit very hard” by the United States if it continued what he described as violent actions.
Echoing the military’s stance, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote in The Wall Street Journal that Tehran would respond “with everything we have” if attacked. Araghchi argued that Trump’s rhetoric encouraged violence during protests and further damaged already fragile diplomatic efforts between the two countries.
Rising tensions amid domestic unrest
The escalation comes as Iran faces widespread protests driven by severe economic hardship, soaring inflation, and the collapse of the national currency, the rial. According to official figures, at least 38 people were killed and more than 2,200 detained during demonstrations. Iranian media also reported the deaths of two security personnel.
However, rights groups such as HRANA have claimed the true toll may be significantly higher, with thousands of protest-related deaths under investigation.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged what it called “peaceful protests and legitimate demands” but blamed the unrest largely on U.S. sanctions, describing them as an “illegal and unjust economic and financial war” against the Iranian people.
Official response from Tehran
In a formal statement, the Foreign Ministry emphasized resistance to foreign interference, stating that Iran would protect its sovereignty and national dignity. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also weighed in, distinguishing between peaceful protest and rioting, insisting that while dialogue with protesters is necessary, violent unrest would not be tolerated.
As tensions between Iran and the United States continue to rise, the exchange underscores growing concerns over regional stability and the future of diplomatic engagement.