Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, the ideological branch of the country’s military, issued a stark warning on Friday, stating that any new protests against the government would be met with a response “stronger than on January 8.” The statement, broadcast on state television, accused foreign powers of attempting to incite unrest and promised decisive action against demonstrators.
“The evil enemy, failing to achieve its field battle goals, is once again pursuing the instillation of fear and street riots,” the Guards said, pledging a more forceful crackdown if protests resume.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions following Iran’s ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described one objective of the conflict as creating conditions that could lead to the Iranian government’s downfall.
US President Donald Trump has also encouraged Iranians to rise against their authorities.
The backdrop to these warnings includes widespread demonstrations that began in December over the rising cost of living and escalated into a broader movement against the government. Authorities reported the peak of unrest on January 8, labeling the protests as “riots” orchestrated by “terrorists” linked to Israel and the US.
Official figures from Tehran place the death toll at over 3,000, mostly security personnel and bystanders, while international NGOs claim the security forces intentionally targeted protesters. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, based in the United States, estimates that more than 7,000 people were killed during the unrest.
Iran has been an Islamic republic since the 1979 revolution.
