REUTERS, Dubai

Iran’s top judge warned protesters yesterday there would be “no leniency for those who help the enemy against the Islamic Republic”, while accusing Israel and the US of pursuing hybrid methods to disrupt the country.

“Following announcements by Israel and the US president, there is no excuse for those coming to the streets for riots and unrest, Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the head of Iran’s judiciary, was quoted as saying by state media.

“From now on, there will be no leniency for whoever helps enemy against the Islamic Republic and the calm of the people,” Ejei said.

Tehran remains under international pressure with President Trump threatening to come to the aid of protesters if security forces fire on them, seven months after Israeli and US forces bombed Iranian nuclear sites in a 12-day war.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed not to “yield to the enemy”. The current protests began last month in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar by shopkeepers condemning the currency’s free fall.