Iran’s police chief Ahmadreza Radan has issued a stern warning to citizens against participating in protests against the government. He said authorities will treat anyone who takes to the streets on behalf of foreign adversaries as an enemy.

Radan stated that the government would not view such individuals as ordinary protesters. “If someone comes at the enemy’s bidding, we do not regard them as a protester or anything of the sort; we treat them as we would treat the enemy, and we deal with them in the same way we deal with the enemy.” His statement signals a tough stance by Iranian authorities as tensions continue both inside the country and in the wider region.

Warning Comes After Netanyahu’s Message to Iranians

The remarks came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a direct appeal to the people of Iran. On Tuesday, Netanyahu urged Iranians to rise against their government.

In a message posted on X, Netanyahu encouraged citizens to take action against the ruling establishment. “People of Iran, we are waging a historic war for liberty. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you to remove the Ayatollah regime and gain your freedom.”

He also said that Israel would soon help create conditions that would allow Iranians to decide their future. Netanyahu added, “Together with the United States, we are hitting the Tyrants of Tehran harder. When the time is right, and that time is fast approaching, we will pass the torch to you than ever.”

Security Forces Ready to Act

Following these developments, Radan said Iran’s security forces remain fully prepared to respond to any unrest. He emphasised that authorities are ready to defend the Islamic Republic.

“All our forces also have their fingers on the trigger, ready to defend the [Revolution],” Radan added.

Background of Recent Protests

Iran has experienced large anti-government protests in recent months. A wave of nationwide demonstrations broke out across the country in late December.

Authorities launched a strong crackdown on the protests. According to reports, the response has become the deadliest suppression of demonstrations in the history of the Islamic Republic.

Iran Arrests Dozens Over Alleged Spying

At the same time, Iranian authorities have stepped up arrests related to alleged espionage activities. Iran’s Intelligence Ministry said on Tuesday that dozens of people had been detained for allegedly spying for the country’s enemies. The arrests come as tensions continue during the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.

The ministry said one of the detainees is a foreign national. Officials did not reveal the person’s nationality but claimed the individual was working as a spy. According to state media, the ministry said the foreign national “was conducting espionage on behalf of the United States and Israel, and acting as a proxy for two Gulf countries.”

Officials also announced that “30 spies, internal mercenaries, and operational agents of Israel and the U.S.” had been arrested in recent days. Separately, Ahmadreza Radan told state television that authorities had detained dozens more individuals for allegedly sharing sensitive information with hostile outlets.

He said about 81 people had been arrested so far for “sharing internal Iranian information with hostile media and enemies”. However, he did not provide further details about these cases.