National unity will block threats to Iran’s territorial integrity: Intelligence minister

Speaking during a ceremony on Tuesday, the official said the Islamic Republic’s enemies “know fully well that the Iranian nation will never allow the unity of this land to be harmed,” adding that “as long as the nation remains united, no threat, no matter how constant the saber-rattling or how contrived the incidents, can force it into defeat.”

Khatib pointed to the long record of hostile actions against Iran, urging observers to look towards history for context.

“To understand the truth, it is enough to look at Iran’s history; a land that has, time and again, witnessed injustices imposed on this nation and this soil in the name of freedom, human rights, and other deceptive labels,” he said.

According to the official, the Islamic Republic’s adversaries know “that the Iranian nation, despite all the pressures and the blood that has been shed, will never allow the integrity of this land to be compromised,” adding that continued unity would prevent any threat, applied “through constant saber-rattling or fabricated incidents,” from defeating the country.

Khatib’s remarks came amid escalated rhetoric by US President Donald Trump, who recently threatened fresh military action against Iran in connection with what the latter described as the Islamic Republic’s handling of sporadic economic protests that began in late December.

According to Iranian authorities, after the protests started, they were infiltrated by riotous elements seeking to divert them towards unrest. Iranian intelligence authorities have verified that the elements were receiving American and Israeli intelligence, arms, and logistical support.

However, according to the officials, Iranian forces moved promptly and effectively to arrest ringleaders and confiscated firearms, including weapons bound for the capital Tehran.

The Islamic Republic has vowed commitment to addressing the country’s economic problems, while also pledging to stand firmly against efforts to steer protests towards chaos and use such chaos as a pretext for launching fresh military aggression against the nation.