Iran's army chief, Major General Amir Hatami, has warned of potential preemptive military action in response to escalating rhetoric targeting the Islamic Republic, specifically referencing U.S. President Donald Trump's comments regarding Iran's ongoing protests. Hatami stated that intensified hostile rhetoric is viewed as a threat and will not go unanswered. These remarks come amid widespread domestic unrest driven by economic hardship, which has challenged the ruling theocracy. The government is attempting to quell public anger by rolling out subsidy payments to mitigate rising costs for essential goods.