Trump’s threats and economic pressure rattle Iranian officials
Contributor
In Tehran, recent speeches and statements reveal Iranian officials are on edge over the intensifying war of words between US President Donald Trump and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
As Iran’s financial and economic situation deteriorates following Trump’s decision to intensify sanctions, officials seem increasingly worried about potential unrest.
In less than a week, the rial has lost nearly 10 percent of its value.
Statements from Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref and several military commanders reflect growing anxiety.
“Those with ill intentions might be sowing discord between the people and the government of Iran,” Aref warned, urging the government to start listening to the public.
As night fell on February 9, the eve of the 1979 Revolution’s anniversary, chants of “Death to the Islamic Republic” and “Death to Khamenei” echoed through Tehran and other cities, as people took advantage of the darkness and fireworks.
The slogans echoed the same demands Iranians voices during the nationwide 2022 anti-state protests, underscoring ongoing public dissent in the country.
On February 10, the Entekhab website published a lengthy statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC), warning against "dangerous bi-polar situations" that could arise as some officials continue advocating for negotiations with the US to address the country’s economic crisis.
Meanwhile, the IRGC boasted that Iran has become a global power striving to establish an Islamic civilization. It warned state officials to be wary of “the cognitive war waged by enemies to undermine Iran’s international standing.” The statement also accused Trump of exaggerating his disputes with the Islamic Republic and making excessive demands to influence potential negotiations.
Calling the US "a terrorist regime," the IRGC warned that, following Khamenei's guidance, Iran would deliver a harsh response to any American miscalculation.
Recent tensions and exchanges between Tehran and Washington seem to have also shifted President Masoud Pezeshkian's rhetoric, aligning it more closely with Khamenei’s hardline stance.
Pezeshkian, who had previously advocated for dialogue with the United States, escalated his tone on Monday, saying, "Trump first threatens Iran's existence and then calls for talks with Tehran. Trump wants to deprive Iran of medicine, food, and water." Pezeshkian’s claims resembled statements by hardliner media accusing Trump of making outrageous demands.
On the same day, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf intensified what appeared to be a disinformation campaign against Trump by misrepresenting the contents of his recent executive memorandum on tougher sanctions. "Trump wants to disarm Iran," he said.
Several officials and politicians falsely claimed that Trump intends to hand over the three disputed Persian Gulf islands to the United Arab Emirates.
Former Iranian diplomat Kourosh Ahmadi, meanwhile, criticized the spread of misinformation about Trump’s executive memorandum.
“A wave of sheer lies is being spread about the contents of Trump’s executive memorandum. One such falsehood was promoted by Mr. Ghalibaf. Unfortunately, even some well-informed individuals have been misled into believing that Trump signed a document on disarming Iran,” Jamaran News quoted him as saying.
