Iran’s Army Chief, Major General Amir Hatami, said the country views aggressive statements as a serious danger and is fully prepared to respond.

Speaking to students at a military academy on Wednesday, General Hatami said Iran’s armed forces are more ready today than ever before. He warned that if any enemy makes a mistake, the response will be swift and conclusive. ‘Any aggressor will pay a heavy price,’ he said, adding that Iran would ‘cut off the hand’ of anyone who dares to attack.

According to the Associated Press, Hatami’s comments were aimed at Trump’s statement suggesting that the United States could intervene if Iran takes action against peaceful protesters.

At the same time, Iran is dealing with mounting pressure at home and abroad. The government faces potential threats from Israel and the United States, while also struggling with a deep economic crisis that has fueled nationwide protests. These demonstrations have become a direct test for the country’s religious leadership.

To ease public anger over rising prices, the government has introduced a monthly subsidy of about seven dollars per person, expected to benefit nearly 71 million citizens. However, the move has done little to slow the steady fall of the Iranian rial.

As the currency weakens, the cost of basic goods such as cooking oil, meat, and cheese continues to climb, placing extra strain on ordinary families.

Iran’s Vice President, Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah, said the country is facing a ‘full scale economic war.’ He stressed the need for urgent reforms to root out corruption and end rent-seeking policies that have damaged the economy.

Protests in Iran began on December 28 and have since spread to 280 locations across 27 of the country’s 31 provinces. According to US media reports, at least 36 people have been killed so far, including 30 protesters, four children, and two security personnel.

The situation remains tense, as Iran stands firm against foreign pressure while struggling to contain unrest at home.