US urges Iranians to “lay low” during strikes, wait to protest later

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Iranian public should avoid protests while US and Israeli military operations continue against Iran, but suggested that a moment could come when either Donald Trump or the Iranian people decide it is time to challenge the country’s leadership.

Speaking on March 5 at the headquarters of United States Central Command in Florida, Hegseth said the current focus of the campaign is weakening the Iranian government’s military capabilities, CNN reports.

“No one’s done more than President Trump to reopen the opportunity for those who want a free Iran to do so,” Hegseth said. “Ultimately, it’s common sense as he said upfront, don’t go out and protest while bombs are dropping inside Tehran and elsewhere. So, there will come a moment where he determines, or they determine, that it’s the time to seize that advantage.”

Hegseth also indicated that ongoing US and Israeli strikes are targeting security elements involved in suppressing demonstrations inside Iran.

“But there’s a lot of things we’re doing, and the Israeli military is doing targeting those individuals who are targeting those who protest,” he added. “The more you do that, and you erode their will, and you erode their capabilities, the more you create an opportunity for people to boldly stand up.”

The commander of United States Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, echoed the message, urging civilians to remain indoors as military operations continue.

“There’s a lot of US and Israeli capacity coming over, we’re hitting a lot of targets, the best thing for them to do right now is just to lay low,” Cooper said.

By Sabina Mammadli