The Iranian army has pledged to safeguard strategic infrastructure and public property as nationwide protests over the rising cost of living continue, leaving dozens dead.
In a statement carried by semi-official media, the military accused Israel and “hostile terrorist groups” of exploiting unrest to undermine national security. It said armed forces, under the Supreme Leader’s command, would act decisively to protect national interests.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also warned that the country’s security and the 1979 Islamic Revolution are a “red line.”
The protests have drawn sharp international reactions. US President Donald Trump warned Iran’s leaders against using lethal force on protesters, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington’s support for the Iranian people. Iran has since imposed a nationwide internet blackout, now exceeding 36 hours, according to NetBlocks.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed protesters as “vandals” and blamed the US and Israel for fueling unrest. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed the claims, which Washington rejected.
Rights groups report at least 51 protesters, including nine children, have been killed. Amnesty International condemned the internet shutdown, saying it aims to conceal human rights abuses.
Protests have spread to major cities including Tehran, Mashhad and Tabriz, marking Iran’s largest unrest since the 2022–2023 demonstrations sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in custody.
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