Iran's Army Commander Accuses US, Israel Of "Meddling" In Its Domestic Affairs Amid Protests

Iran’s army commander-in-chief Gen. Amir Hatami accused the United States and Israel on Wednesday of "meddling" in his country's internal affairs, as protests continued in various cities. "There are no doubts about the hostility of the U.S. president and the criminal prime minister of Israel towards the Iranian nation," he said, speaking to military university graduates. He also referred to Israeli attacks last year on military and nuclear sites in Iran, "they have been enemies throughout history," he stressed. Iran's army chief went on to threaten pre-emptive military action over the “rhetoric” targeting the Islamic Republic, likely referring to U.S. President Donald Trump's warning that if Tehran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” America “will come to their rescue." The comments by Maj. Gen. Amir Hatami come as Iran tries to respond to what it sees as a dual threat posed by Israel and the United States, as well as the protests sparked by its economic woes that have grown into a direct challenge to its theocracy.