By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Iranian military has pledged to defend the country’s strategic assets and public property as authorities intensify efforts to contain widespread antigovernment protests triggered by rising living costs.
In a statement released on Saturday by semi-official media outlets, the armed forces accused Israel and what they described as “hostile terrorist groups” of attempting to “undermine the country’s public security.”
The declaration came after United States President Donald Trump issued fresh warnings to Iran’s leadership over the growing demonstrations, which have resulted in dozens of deaths.
“The Army, under the command of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, together with other armed forces, in addition to monitoring enemy movements in the region, will resolutely protect and safeguard national interests, the country’s strategic infrastructure, and public property,” the military said.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) delivered a similar message on Saturday. State television reported that the elite force described the protection of the 1979 revolution’s legacy and national security as a “red line.”
Earlier in the day, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s backing for Iranian protesters following an internet shutdown introduced by Iranian authorities.
“The United States supports the brave people of Iran,” Rubio wrote on X.
His message followed new remarks from Trump, who warned Iran’s leadership, saying, “You better not start shooting because we’ll start shooting too.” Trump stated that Iran’s leaders appeared to be “in big trouble” and repeated his warning that military action could follow if protesters were killed.
He added, “It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible just a few weeks ago.”
Demonstrations have spread across the country since January 3, driven by frustration over economic hardship and increasing calls for the removal of the clerical establishment that has governed Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Reports from Reuters indicated that unrest continued overnight on Saturday. State media blamed “rioters” for setting a municipal building ablaze in Karaj, west of Tehran. Press TV aired funeral footage of security personnel it said died during clashes in Shiraz, Qom and Hamedan.