Iran’s Army Pledges to Defend National Interests After US Backs Protesters

On January 10, 2026, amid rising tensions over ongoing protests in Iran, the country’s military vowed to defend national security and safeguard strategic infrastructure after the United States expressed support for the demonstrators. In a statement published on Saturday, Iran’s army reiterated its commitment to thwart “enemy plots,” with a focus on protecting public property and critical infrastructure. The warning came as protests against the Iranian government have intensified, fueled by frustration over rising living costs and inflation.

In parallel, the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement asserting that safeguarding the achievements of the 1979 revolution and Iran’s security was a "red line." The protests, which have erupted across the country since late December 2025, have seen thousands of Iranians take to the streets, calling for an end to the clerical regime. On Saturday, clashes continued, with reports of rioters setting a municipal building on fire in Karaj, near Tehran.

Iran’s Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad warned protesters that they would be charged as “enemies of God,” a crime that carries the death penalty. As the unrest spreads, international pressure on Iran has increased, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing support for the Iranian people and reiterating Washington’s stance against the Iranian government’s crackdown on peaceful protests.

Despite attempts to quell the demonstrations, including internet shutdowns and intensified security measures, analysts argue that economic pressures and government crackdowns may continue to fuel public dissent in the coming months.