Tehran, Jan 03 (V7N) - Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf strongly criticized recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the country’s internal situation. In a post on social media platform X, Ghalibaf referred to the United States as the “Satan” and asserted that the Iranian nation would continue to frustrate its enemies, as it has always done.

Ghalibaf emphasized that Iranian businessmen and shopkeepers are conducting peaceful protests and said foreign intelligence agencies had hoped to escalate these demonstrations into violent conflicts. However, he noted, the experienced Iranian nation’s vigilance has thwarted such attempts.

Directly addressing Trump, Ghalibaf warned that the Iranian people are united and resolute against foreign adversaries. He stated, “The uncivilized American president should know that following his open declaration, all U.S. military bases and forces in the region have become legitimate targets. We will not hesitate to strike these targets in response to any potential provocation.”

He also referenced historical context, highlighting Iran’s past success in defeating professional and experienced enemies. Ghalibaf stressed that Iranian authorities do not equate their protesting citizens with foreign mercenaries or agents and are committed to protecting their people.

The remarks come amid escalating tension between Tehran and Washington following U.S. support for ongoing protests in Iran over economic crises and inflation. Earlier, on January 2, Trump stated that if Iranian authorities use lethal force against peaceful demonstrators, the United States would intervene to protect them. In a post on his platform Truth Social, he said, “We are fully prepared.”

The protests, which began last Sunday in response to soaring living costs and inflation, have spread across Iran. Over five consecutive days, at least seven fatalities have been reported so far, highlighting growing public discontent with the economic situation.

Ghalibaf’s statements are expected to further heighten security concerns for U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East, signaling potential risks amid the ongoing unrest.

END/WD/AJ/