We will cut off hands of attackers if Iran is attacked: Army Chief Hatami

Iran’s army chief Major General Amir Hatami has warned that the hands of attackers will be cut off if Iran is attacked.

He made the remarks on Wednesday, January 7, while addressing students at Iran’s Army Command and Staff University, against the backdrop of recent military threats by US President Donald Trump.

Hatami said any increase in threats or aggressive rhetoric against Iran would be treated as a direct threat and met with a strong response. “We will cut off the hands of any attacker,” he said.

He added that Tehran considers the intensity of hostile statements against Iran as a serious threat and would not remain silent if such behaviour continues.

Warning of far-reaching consequences for any hostile action, Hatami said Iran’s armed forces are fully prepared to use all their strength to protect the country’s independence, territorial integrity and the system of the Islamic Republic.

He said Iran’s armed forces are now more prepared than ever before, and any miscalculation by enemies would result in an even stronger response.

Referring to recent protests across Iran, Hatami said they had no connection with US President Donald Trump or Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking on internal conditions, he said protests are normal in any country, but their rapid escalation into violent riots is not consistent with Iranian culture and should be seen as part of enemies’ plans.