Iran’s police chief, Ahmadreza Radan, has warned that anti-government protesters will be identified as “enemies,” not as ordinary demonstrators, signalling a potential harsh crackdown on dissent.
Speaking on Iran’s state television, Radan said security forces are prepared to act if protests emerge.
“Those who take part in anti-government protests will be treated as enemies, not as protesters.”
He also issued a stark warning about the readiness of security forces:
“Our fingers are on the trigger.”
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region following the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Since the war began, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have repeatedly encouraged ordinary Iranians to rise against the country’s ruling establishment.
Recently, Netanyahu called on Iranian citizens to prepare for what he described as freedom from the “Ayatollah regime.” Writing on the social media platform X, he addressed Iranians directly.
“People of Iran, we are fighting for freedom. Such an opportunity to remove the Ayatollah regime may not come again.”
He further added:
“At the right time, the responsibility will be placed in the hands of the Iranian people.”
Iran has experienced waves of protests in recent months. Between December and January, thousands of people took to the streets across the country, protesting rising prices, the sharp fall of the Iranian rial, and worsening economic conditions.
Human rights groups and activists have alleged that the Iranian state responded with a severe crackdown, using force to disperse demonstrators. According to reports, more than a hundred protesters were killed during the suppression of those demonstrations.
