In the context of mounting political tensions and widespread public dissent, Iran’s top army official, Maj. Gen. Amir Hatami, declared on Wednesday a preparedness to conduct preemptive military strikes in response to provocative statements targeting the Islamic Republic. These remarks appear to be a reaction to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that violent actions against peaceful protestors in Iran would prompt U.S. intervention.
Hatami’s statements underscore Iran's perception of dual external threats, chiefly from the United States and Israel, which coincide with internal challenges posed by economic difficulties and public protests directly contesting the Iranian theocratic regime. In an effort to quell rising discontent among the population, the Iranian government commenced a new subsidy program providing approximately $7 monthly to households to offset surging prices on staple food items such as rice, meat, and pasta.
Despite these measures, shopkeepers have alerted to sharp price increases on basic commodities, particularly cooking oil, as Iran’s national currency, the rial, continues its precipitous decline against the dollar. The termination of preferential exchange rates for importers and manufacturers is exacerbating inflationary pressures, risking further aggravation among the populace.
Analysts at the New York-based Soufan Center characterize the ongoing protests, which have persisted for over a week, as reflecting both deteriorating economic conditions and deep-rooted frustrations with government suppression and policies that have isolated Iran internationally.
In his address to military academy students, Maj. Gen. Hatami, who assumed command following Israel’s killing of senior Iranian military officials in the June conflict, reaffirmed the enhanced readiness of Iran’s military forces. He emphasized that any hostile actions against Iran would be met with decisive retaliation, underscoring an increase in military capability since the previous conflict.
Hatami's leadership marks a shift as he is the first regular military officer to head the Iranian army, known as "Artesh," in decades, a position traditionally held by the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.
The Iranian establishment, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has responded explicitly to President Trump’s warnings, particularly in the wake of a U.S. military operation that apprehended Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, a notable Iranian ally. Nonetheless, there have been no public indications of Iran imminently preparing for offensive military action in the region.
Regarding economic measures, Iranian state media reported that the newly initiated monthly subsidy of 10 million rials (around $7) is being distributed directly to the heads of over 71 million households nationwide. This subsidy represents a significant increase from the previous 4.5 million rial allocation. However, due to the rial’s dramatic devaluation—currently trading at over 1.4 million to one U.S. dollar—and persistent inflation, basic food prices have soared, adding further pressure to everyday living costs amid ongoing international sanctions.
Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah, Iran’s vice president overseeing executive affairs, described the country's situation as a "full-fledged economic war." He advocated for comprehensive reforms to eliminate rentier economic structures and corruption, highlighting the government's recognition of the severity of the economic crisis.
Protests sparked in late December have expanded nationwide, entering their 11th day with no signs of abating. Demonstrations have spread to cities such as Bojnourd, Kerman, Rasht, Shiraz, and Tabriz, along with various smaller towns. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, 36 individuals have died during the protests, including 30 protesters, 4 children, and 2 security personnel. Arrests exceed 2,100 across more than 310 locations in 28 of Iran’s 31 provinces, reflecting the extensive scope of civil unrest based on networks embedded within Iran providing on-the-ground reporting.