Protesters are allies of the US and Israel: Iran’s Chief Justice

As the economic crisis in Iran intensifies, ordinary people have taken to the streets in various cities of the country. There have also been clashes with security forces and casualties. In such a situation, Iran's Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ajeh has accused the protesters of acting as allies of the US and Israel.

Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ajeh has announced that no concessions will be made to those who support the enemies against the government. He said, "If someone takes to the streets to create riots or spread unrest, or supports them, then there is no excuse left for them. The matter is now completely clear and transparent. They are now working in coordination with Iran's enemies."

Immediately after the start of the ongoing protests in Iran, one after another 'provocative' comments have been coming from the US and Israel. US President Donald Trump has even threatened to intervene in the country. He said that if Tehran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” the United States would “come to their rescue.” On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed support for the protesters, telling his cabinet members, “We are standing at a moment when the Iranian people are determining their own destiny.”

Following Mohseni-Ajeh’s warning, Iran’s army chief also threatened preemptive military action in response to “provocative rhetoric” against Iran. Addressing students at the military academy, Major General Amir Hatami said they were ready to “cut off the hand of any aggressor.”

“I can say with confidence that the combat readiness of the Iranian armed forces is now greater than ever before. If the enemy makes a mistake, it will face a harsher response.”

Dozens of people have been killed in protests that have spread across Iran’s provinces. The protests began late last month when traders in Tehran's Grand Bazaar closed their shops to protest the sharp fall in the Iranian currency. The deep economic crisis caused by poor economic management and harsh Western sanctions has fueled the anger.

The Iranian government has not officially released a death toll. However, human rights activists say at least 36 people have been killed and more than 2,000 arrested in protest-related violence. However, international media outlets have not been able to independently verify the casualty figures.

Al Jazeera reports.