Iran’s Defense Council condemned the escalation of threatening rhetoric and interventionist remarks against the country, stressing that Iran’s security, independence, and territorial integrity are “red lines” that cannot be crossed.
In a statement issued on Jan. 6, the Council warned that any aggression or continuation of hostile behavior would be met with a decisive and proportionate response.
“Within the framework of legitimate defense, the Islamic Republic does not restrict itself to reacting only after an attack, but considers tangible signs of threat as part of its overall security calculus,” it added.
The declaration comes after US President Donald Trump recently accused the Iranian government of killing protesters and threatened that, should such incidents occur during ongoing economic demonstrations, Washington would act in support of protesters and strike Iran’s leadership.
Over the past week, several Iranian cities have witnessed demonstrations over economic hardship, some of which escalated into clashes between protesters and security forces.
Trump’s threats drew strong reactions from Iranian officials, who condemned what they described as interference in Iran’s internal affairs and warned that US interests in the region could be put at risk.
In the latest remarks, Amir Saeed Iravani, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, called Trump’s threats a “clear violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter” and accused Washington of hypocrisy in claiming to support the Iranian people. He stressed that the United States would bear full responsibility for any consequences arising from its unlawful threats and any subsequent escalation.
The tensions follow the events of June 2025, when Israel launched a surprise attack against Iran that led to a 12‑day war. In its final days, the United States joined by bombing three of Iran’s main nuclear sites. Washington has also imposed sweeping unilateral sanctions on Iran since 2018, measures that have severely impacted the country’s economy.
