Iran warns protesters will face force
Police chief says demonstrators treated as enemies
Iran’s national police chief warned that people joining street protests will be treated as “enemies” rather than demonstrators, signaling a tougher crackdown amid rising political tensions. Ahmad-Reza Radan said anyone protesting “at the enemy’s request” would face the same response reserved for hostile forces, and that police units are deployed across cities and remain on alert around the clock to respond immediately to demonstrations.
Authorities framed protests as foreign-instigated attempts to destabilize the country, citing regional conflict and external encouragement for citizens to challenge the government. Security agencies and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard have similarly warned that protest activity could be construed as collaboration with hostile powers and carry severe legal consequences.
Human rights groups note past crackdowns have included mass arrests, forceful dispersals, casualties and detentions during nationwide protests driven by economic hardship and political grievances. Analysts say the police chief’s statement reflects a determination by authorities to deter unrest during a period of heightened regional conflict and domestic uncertainty, underscoring a tense internal atmosphere as officials seek to maintain control.
