ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Iran’s newly formed Supreme Defense Council reacted Tuesday to threats from Washington and Tel Aviv over its crackdown on demonstrators and its expanding nuclear and missile programs, warning that targeting Iran is an “uncrossable red line.”

Iran has been experiencing nearly two weeks of nationwide protests over the falling value of the rial and mounting economic hardship, which have left at least 27 people dead and more than 1,000 arrested, according to human rights monitors. 

“The escalation of the language of threats and intervention, which goes beyond a verbal stance, can be understood as hostile behavior; a path whose continuation will lead to a proportionate, decisive, and decisive response, and the full responsibility for the consequences lies with the planners of this process,” the council said in a statement, as cited by the state IRNA news agency.

Iran is relying on “comprehensive deterrence capability, and complete defense readiness,” it said, stressing that the country's security, independence, and territorial integrity are an “uncrossable red line.” 

The council stressed that the Islamic republic’s longtime enemies, referring to Israel and the US, are “repeating and intensifying threatening language,” asserting that their moves “cannot be considered unanswered.” 

“Any attack on national interests, interference in internal affairs, or action against the stability of Iran will be met with a proportionate, targeted, and decisive response,” it reiterated.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel stands with the people of Iran amid the protests and said he discussed the issue with US President Donald Trump, adding that both sides agreed Iran must halt uranium enrichment entirely and that enriched nuclear material should be removed from the country under strict international oversight.

Iran has repeatedly said that its ballistic missile program is “not subject to negotiation,” insisting on its right to defend the country, as well as its right to pursue the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Trump on Friday warned Iran for the second time following days of nationwide protests and deadly clashes between security forces and demonstrators, saying Washington is ready to come to their “rescue” should Tehran's security forces kill protesters.

Days prior, Trump also warned that Washington would “absolutely” and “immediately” support potential renewed Israeli military actions targeting Iran if Tehran continues developing its nuclear and missile programs.

Trump’s Monday comments came after reports following the Israeli prime minister’s visit to the US suggested the trip was intended to brief Trump on potential new attacks on Iran after the June war, amid Israel’s concerns over Tehran’s expanding missile and nuclear program.

In June, Israel killed top brass Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists with airstrikes, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran, with the two trading salvos of missiles and drones for 12 days. The US also bombed the key Natanz and Fordow nuclear sites in the country near the end of the conflict.

Iran’s Supreme National Defense Council, established in August following the June war under Article 176 of the Constitution, centralizes national defense coordination, is chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian, and is overseen by newly appointed secretary Ali Larijani.