Iran Army Chief Warns Of Preemptive Military Action Against US Amid Protests

Last Updated:January 07, 2026, 17:52 IST

Major Gen Amir Hatami warns of preemptive action amid Iran protests, economic crisis, and Trump’s remarks.

Major Gen Amir Hatami warns of preemptive action amid Iran protests, economic crisis, and Trump’s remarks. (Pic: Times of Israel)

Iran’s army chief on Wednesday warned of possible preemptive military action in response to what he described as escalating threats against the Islamic Republic, remarks that appeared to reference recent comments by Donald Trump on Iran’s ongoing protests.

He said that if Iran “violently kills peaceful protesters," the United States “will come to their rescue."

Major General Amir Hatami made the comments as Iran faces mounting pressure from both external rivals and widespread domestic unrest driven by economic hardship. The protests, which began late last month, have increasingly challenged the country’s ruling theocracy.

Hatami, speaking to students at a military academy, said Iran views intensified hostile rhetoric as a direct threat. “The Islamic Republic will not leave the continuation of such rhetoric without a response," he said, according to state-run IRNA news agency. He added that Iran’s armed forces were now more prepared than before the recent conflict with Israel and warned that any attack would be met with a decisive response.

Hatami assumed command of Iran’s regular army, known as the Artesh, after several senior military commanders were killed during last month’s 12-day war with Israel. His appointment is notable as the role has long been dominated by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

The warning comes amid heightened sensitivity in Tehran following a recent U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a close Iranian ally. While senior Iranian officials, including Ali Khamenei, have condemned Trump’s remarks, there has been no public indication that Iran is preparing immediate military action.

At the same time, Iran’s government has begun rolling out new subsidy payments in an effort to calm public anger over soaring prices. State television reported that more than 71 million people will receive 10 million rials, roughly $7, deposited into household bank accounts. The subsidy is more than double the previous payments but comes as Iran’s currency continues to slide, now trading at over 1.4 million rials to the dollar.

Shopkeepers and analysts warn that prices for basic goods such as cooking oil, poultry and cheese could rise sharply following the removal of preferential exchange rates for imports, potentially fueling further unrest. Iran’s vice president for executive affairs, Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah, described the situation as a “full-fledged economic war" and called for sweeping reforms to address corruption and rent-seeking policies.

Protests began on Dec. 28 after the rial’s sharp fall and have now entered their 11th day, spreading to more than 280 locations across 27 of Iran’s 31 provinces. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that at least 36 people have been killed, including 30 protesters, four children and two members of the security forces.

“These protests reflect not only worsening economic conditions, but longstanding anger at government repression and policies that have isolated Iran globally," the Soufan Center said in an analysis.

Despite subsidy efforts, analysts say rising prices and persistent inflation mean public discontent is unlikely to ease soon.

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