Iranian Authorities Warn Protesters Amid Deadly Unrest

Protests in Iran Intensify

The Chief Justice of Iran, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has issued a warning to protesters who have taken to the streets amid a severe economic crisis, stating that there will be "no mercy for those supporting the enemy against the Islamic Republic," accusing the United States and Israel of inciting chaos.

Following remarks made by Israel and U.S. President Donald Trump, Ejei declared: "There is no excuse for those who take to the streets to incite riots and disturbances." This situation has generated increasing international pressure on Iran, especially after Trump threatened that if Tehran "violently kills peaceful protesters, the United States will come to their aid."

Amid the unrest, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the protesters, stating that "it is very possible we are in a moment where the Iranian people are taking their fate into their own hands." Additionally, Iranian Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami threatened military actions against rhetoric targeting Iran.

The protests, which have resulted in the deaths of dozens, were initiated by merchants in Tehran's Grand Bazaar, who closed their businesses in anger over the collapse of the national currency, the rial, amidst economic difficulties caused by inefficient management and severe sanctions imposed by the West.

While Iranian authorities have not announced an official death toll, the human rights activist network HRANA has reported at least 36 deaths and over 2,076 arrests. In an attempt to quell the situation, the Iranian government has begun offering $7 a month to subsidize rising costs of essential food items, a measure many consider insufficient.