Iran's police chief, Ahmad-Reza Radan, has delivered a chilling warning to the nation's citizens during a televised address on state TV. He explicitly stated that any individuals who take to the streets "at the enemy's request" will be "confronted as an enemy, not a protester." This declaration underscores the regime's severe stance against dissent and marks a significant escalation in rhetoric.
Direct Threats from the Police Chief
Radan emphasized the gravity of the situation by asserting, "We will do to them what we do to enemies. We will treat them the way we treat enemies." He further detailed that security forces are fully prepared, with all personnel having "their fingers on the trigger" and being ready to defend the revolution, support the people, and protect the homeland. According to Radan, these forces are stationed in the streets "day and night," indicating a continuous and heightened state of alert.
International Calls for Protest
This warning comes in the context of recent appeals from international figures. Both former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have publicly urged Iranians to protest and overthrow their government in recent weeks. These calls have likely intensified the regime's concerns about external influence and internal unrest.
Brutal Crackdown on Demonstrations
Iran has been embroiled in a wave of anti-establishment demonstrations since late December, leading to a harsh and widespread crackdown by authorities. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported confirming the deaths of at least 7,000 individuals during this period. Tragically, this figure includes children and people who were not actively involved in the protests, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence.
The regime's response has been characterized by extreme force, with security measures tightening across the country. Radan's statements reflect a broader strategy to deter further protests by framing them as acts of betrayal and aligning them with foreign adversaries. This approach aims to justify severe actions against demonstrators under the guise of national security and revolutionary defense.
As tensions persist, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with human rights organizations condemning the violence and calling for accountability. The police chief's warnings signal that the Iranian government remains uncompromising in its stance, potentially foreshadowing more confrontations in the streets.
