Hyderabad, Jan. 11 -- Amid escalating public protests and internet shutdown, the Iranian army on Saturday, January 10, has vowed to defend its "national interest."

According to a report by Al Jazeera, the Iranian military accused Israel and "hostile terrorist groups" of seeking to "undermine the country's public security."

"The Army, under the command of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief (Ayatollah Khamenei), together with other armed forces, in addition to monitoring enemy movements in the region, will resolutely protect and safeguard national interests, the country's strategic infrastructure, and public property," it said in a statement.

The warning comes at a time when the country is witnessing massive protests due to rising cost of li...