Amini protesters face army threats over 'enemy plots'

Iran's army has threatened violence against widespread and growing anti-regime protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini as the country's president arrived home following a trip to the United Nations.

- BORZOU DARAGAHI

“The army is ready to defend the security and interests of the Iranian nation against the conspiracies of the enemies,” said the army’s statement. The army personnel fully support their comrades in the police forces, and are ready to deal with the various plots of the enemies.”

The warning came as protesters were yesterday preparing for an eighth straight night of street battles with security forces. Both sides are preparing to come out in full force,” said Mehdi Hajati, a former Shiraz city council member and activist now living in exile. Since the night before last the regime has increased repression. The people have reached a level of anger that they are already somewhere between life and death.”

President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to New York was marred by images of fiery street clashes between protesters and security forces across his nation, as well as his refusal to participate in a long-scheduled CNN interview because the interviewer, British-Iranian correspondent Christiane Amanpour, refused to wear the Islamic headscarf during the exchange.