Iran's army chief Amir Hatami issues a stark warning as tensions escalate (Image: Iranian Army Media Office/AFP )

Tensions are rising after Iran’s army chief issued a stark warning following comments by Donald Trump.

Iran has threatened decisive military action amid growing unrest at home and escalating pressure from the United States and Israel, fuelling fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Major General Amir Hatami, the commander-in-chief of Iran’s army, warned that Tehran would not tolerate what it sees as increasingly hostile rhetoric directed at the Islamic Republic. Speaking to military academy students on Wednesday, he accused both Washington and Tel Aviv of interfering in Iran’s internal affairs.

General Hatami said there was 'no doubt' about the hostility of US President Donald Trump and Israel’s prime minister towards the Iranian nation, describing their actions as a direct threat.

He warned that Iran's armed forces were now better prepared than ever before, claiming their readiness exceeded even that seen during past conflicts.

"The Islamic Republic considers the intensification of such rhetoric as a threat and will not leave its continuation without a response," he said.
"If the enemy commits an error, it will face a more decisive response. We will cut off the hand of any aggressor."

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A view from a market as people shop amid soaring prices in Iran (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

The warning came days after Mr Trump weighed in on the growing protests sweeping Iran, which have been sparked by soaring living costs and economic hardship.

Asked on Sunday whether the United States would intervene, the former president said Washington was 'watching very closely'.

"If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they’re going to get hit very hard by the United States," Mr Trump said.

Iran is currently grappling with widespread demonstrations that began on December 28 after the national currency, the rial, plunged amid tightening international sanctions and the aftermath of June’s war with Israel.

Now entering their eleventh day, the protests show little sign of slowing, with social media footage suggesting demonstrations have spread to cities including Shiraz, Tabriz, Rasht, Kerman and Bojnourd, as well as several smaller towns.

In a bid to quell public anger, Iran’s government announced emergency payments worth the equivalent of just £5 a month to help subsidise the cost of basic food items such as rice, meat and pasta. Rising food prices have been widely blamed for fuelling the unrest.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 36 people have been killed during the demonstrations, including 30 protesters, four children and two members of the security forces.

The group claims protests have now reached more than 310 locations across 28 of Iran’s 31 provinces, with over 2,100 people arrested so far. Despite relying on an activist network inside Iran, the organisation has previously proved reliable during periods of unrest.