No Leniency, Iran’s Top Judge Warns Protesters as US and Israel Voice Support

Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei has issued a stern warning to protesters, declaring that there will be “no leniency” for individuals accused of aiding Iran’s enemies, as nationwide demonstrations continue to challenge the Islamic Republic amid severe economic distress.

Speaking through state media, Ejei accused the United States and Israel of fuelling unrest inside Iran. He said recent statements by foreign leaders had removed any justification for public protests, warning that anyone participating in riots or instability would face harsh consequences. According to him, those deemed to be collaborating with hostile powers would be dealt with decisively in the interest of maintaining national order.

The warning comes as Iran experiences its largest wave of protests in nearly three years. Demonstrations initially erupted in Tehran’s historic Grand Bazaar after traders shut shops to protest the sharp decline of the Iranian rial. The unrest has since spread across multiple cities, driven by soaring inflation, economic mismanagement, Western sanctions, and long-standing curbs on political and social freedoms.

Tensions escalated further after US President Donald Trump publicly expressed support for Iranian protesters last week. Trump warned that Washington would intervene if Iranian authorities “violently kill peaceful protesters,” adding that the United States was “locked and loaded and ready to go.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also backed the demonstrators, suggesting that Iranians may be taking control of their own destiny.

Iranian officials have repeatedly rejected such statements, framing the protests as foreign-instigated attempts to destabilise the country. Following Ejei’s remarks, Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami issued his own warning, saying Tehran would respond preemptively to hostile rhetoric or action. He asserted that Iran’s armed forces were stronger than before and threatened decisive retaliation against any aggressor.

Authorities say more than 30 people have been killed since the protests began, while thousands have been arrested. Officials have acknowledged casualties among security personnel but have not released an official death toll for protesters. Social media has been flooded with videos showing crowds chanting anti-regime slogans and, in some cases, tearing down symbols of the Islamic Republic.

Adding to the pressure on Tehran, exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi voiced support for the protesters, calling the demonstrations unprecedented in scale. In a video message, he urged security forces to side with the people rather than the regime and called for renewed mass mobilisation. He warned that authorities could attempt to shut down the internet to curb dissent.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has struck a defiant tone. In a recorded address, he said Iran would not bow to foreign pressure and insisted that those responsible for unrest should be firmly dealt with.

As protests persist and rhetoric hardens on all sides, Iran appears headed for a prolonged period of confrontation, with economic hardship, political repression, and external pressure converging to fuel one of the most volatile moments the country has faced in recent years.