Iran Warns Off Interference as Police Threaten Firm Response to Ongoing Protests

Overview

• A senior adviser to the supreme leader, Ali Shamkhani, said any outside actor seeking to undermine Iran’s security would have its hand “cut off,” calling national security a red line.
• The Lorestan provincial police chief said authorities recognize lawful peaceful protests but will respond decisively to illegal gatherings, attacks on state sites, and threats to public order.
• Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Larijani warned that U.S. involvement would destabilize the Middle East and harm American interests, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s post offering help if peaceful protesters are killed.
• President Masoud Pezeshkian directed Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to open dialogue with demonstrators and announced plans for banking and financial system reforms.
• Protests that began December 29 in central Tehran over the rial’s plunge have continued with merchants and students participating, as the Russian Embassy in Tehran urged its citizens to avoid gatherings and noted heightened security and isolated clashes.