Iran's President Calls for Calm Amid Heightened Protests, Warns of Robust Response

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged security forces to distinguish between peaceful protesters and armed rioters as the country grapples with nearly a week of unrest. Speaking on Wednesday, Pezeshkian asked troops to refrain from taking action against economic protesters, while vowing to crack down on those carrying firearms and attacking police stations and military sites. The call comes as Iran faces mounting pressure from the international community, with US President Donald Trump threatening to intervene if security forces open fire on protesters. At least 27 people have been killed and over 1,500 arrested in the western provinces of the country. Meanwhile, Iran's top judge, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has warned that there will be no leniency for those who aid the enemy of the Islamic republic, accusing the US and Israel of using hybrid methods to disrupt the country. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed not to yield to external pressure, while the commander of the Iranian army, General Amir Hatami, has warned that the country will not tolerate external threats without responding. Iran's response, Hatami said, will be more robust than during the 12-day war with Israel in June. The country is bracing for further unrest, with protests expected to continue in the coming days.