Iran President Vows Harsh Retaliation After Trump Threat, Protests Intensify
Updated (2 articles)
Pezeshkian’s Social Media Warning On 30 December 2025 Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on X that any “cruel aggression” would meet a “harsh and discouraging” response, directly addressing President Donald Trump’s recent threat of action against Tehran [1][2]. The statement emphasized Iran’s readiness to defend itself without external permission, echoing the parliament speaker’s earlier remarks. Pezeshkian also pledged to listen to business leaders and ordered the interior minister to engage protesters [2].
Trump’s Renewed Military Threat During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar‑a‑Lago, Trump reiterated the possibility of U.S. strikes if Iran rebuilds its nuclear capability [1][2]. He framed the threat as a response to Tehran’s “potential to reconstruct” its program, linking it to broader regional security concerns. The remarks heightened diplomatic tension, prompting Iran to issue its own warning [1].
Iran’s Nuclear Stance and Recent Conflict Iran maintains that it has ceased uranium enrichment and that its last organized nuclear weapons program ended over two decades ago [1][2]. The articles recall a 12‑day air campaign in June 2025 that killed nearly 1,100 Iranians, including senior commanders, and note Iran’s retaliatory missile strike that killed 28 Israelis [2]. These figures illustrate the recent escalation and the backdrop for the current diplomatic posturing.
Domestic Unrest and Economic Turmoil Protests erupted across Tehran and other cities as the rial hit record lows, prompting the resignation of the central bank chief on Monday [1][2]. Demonstrators demanded economic relief, while the government ordered office and bank closures to curb energy use during the winter [2]. The unrest underscores the internal pressure Iran faces alongside external threats.
Diplomatic and Legal Posturing A U.S. State Department official cited the NSPM‑2 framework to justify potential sanctions and self‑defense measures against Iran [1]. In contrast, Iran’s parliamentary speaker defended the nation’s right to self‑defence and rejected any need for foreign permission to act [1]. Both sides continue to frame the dispute in legal and sovereign terms, setting the stage for further escalation.
Sources
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1.
Newsweek: Iran Warns of Harsh Response to Any Attack After Trump Threat: Details Pezeshkian’s warning, Trump’s strike rhetoric at Mar‑a‑Lago, Iran’s denial of uranium enrichment, June air‑war casualties, protests, central bank resignation, and U.S. sanctions stance .
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2.
AP: Iranian President Pledges Harsh Response to Aggression in Apparent Rebuke to Trump Warning: Highlights Pezeshkian’s X post, Trump’s threat during Netanyahu talks, June conflict toll, Iran’s claim of ending enrichment, soaring protests, rial collapse, central bank chief’s resignation, and Pezeshkian’s meetings with businessmen .
Timeline
June 2025 – Iran endures a 12‑day air campaign that kills nearly 1,100 Iranians, including senior commanders and scientists, and then launches a missile strike that kills 28 Israelis, highlighting a sharp escalation in the regional conflict [2].
Over 20 years ago – Iran’s last organized nuclear weapons program ends, a point cited by U.S. intelligence to argue Tehran no longer pursues a bomb and providing historical context for current tensions [1].
Early December 2025 – The rial plunges to record lows, sparking mass protests in Tehran and other cities; the head of the Central Bank resigns on Monday amid the currency crisis, and the government orders office and bank closures to curb winter energy use [2].
Mid‑December 2025 (Mar‑a‑Lago meeting) – Former President Donald Trump meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida and reiterates that the United States may resume military strikes if Iran rebuilds its nuclear program, reviving the threat of renewed action [1][2].
Dec 30 2025 – President Masoud Pezeshkian posts on X that Iran’s answer to any “cruel aggression” will be “harsh and discouraging,” directly rebuking Trump’s warning and signaling a hard‑line stance [2].
Dec 30 2025 – Iran’s Parliament Speaker declares the nation will defend itself without outside permission, while Iranian officials warn that any U.S. or allied action will be met with force, reinforcing Tehran’s red line against external attacks [1].
Dec 30 2025 – A U.S. State Department official cites National Security Presidential Memorandum‑2 (NSPM‑2) to justify sanctions and self‑defense measures against Iran, outlining the legal framework for potential future actions [1].
Dec 30 2025 – Iran maintains it is no longer enriching uranium and asserts its nuclear program is peaceful, a claim that shapes ongoing diplomatic calculations despite U.S. suspicions [1][2].