US warns Iran not to test American resolve amid protest crackdown

The US State Department issued a stern warning to Iran, urging Tehran not to underestimate American resolve in response to the ongoing crackdown on protesters.

The statement was provided to the Washington Free Beacon, Iran International reports.

“The Iranian regime is fully aware of President Trump’s warning and should not test US resolve,” a State Department spokesperson said, responding to questions about the situation in Iran.

“The Iranian regime should carefully consider the consequences of its actions and not underestimate the resolve of the United States under President Trump’s leadership.”

To recall, Tehran’s public and revolutionary prosecutor Ali Salehi has warned that those involved in recent mass disturbances—including acts of vandalism and the use of firearms against law enforcement officers—will face prosecution under the charge of “rebellion against the state.”

Speaking on Iranian state television and radio, Salehi underlined that the security of the nation’s citizens constitutes a “red line” for the judiciary.

He stated that the authorities would adopt a deterrent approach toward what he described as terrorist acts, adding that offenders would be tried and charged with moharebeh — waging war against the state — an offence that carries the death sentence under Iranian law.

Under Iranian criminal law, the offense of rebellion against the state is defined as the use of weapons with the intent to instill fear among the population.

By Vafa Guliyeva